Yoann Gourcuff: French Genius Perfect for Liverpool But Interesting Spurs, Chelsea & Arsenal
Reports suggest a number of Premier League clubs are targeting the mercurial talents of Bordeaux’s on-loan attacking midfielder Yoann Gourcuff. The French star has been in scintillating form this season in Lique One as his club side sit 1 point behind leaders and current champions Lyon. The fact that Milan loaned the player out suggests that he may be up for grabs with Chelsea reportedly leading the chase after witnessing first hand this season how good Gourcuff is.
The 22-year-old began his career with FC Lorient where his father Christian is coach. However, he signed his first youth contract with Rennes in 2001 before earning a professional deal in 2003.
Gourcuff broke into the Rennes first team in the 2003/04 season making 9 League appearances (2 starts) without scoring. However, he was far more involved the following season as he made 21 League appearances for the club though only 6 starts. The 2005/06 campaign was the season when Gourcuff really began to blossom and establish himself as the star player at Rennes as the club finished 7th and earned a place in the Intertoto Cup. The midfielder made 36 League appearances (28 starts) and scored 6 goals which caught the eye of some of the biggest clubs in Europe including Ajax, Valencia and Arsenal. However, AC Milan won the player’s signature.
In two seasons in Milan, Gourcuff made just 13 League starts (36 appearances) whilst scoring just twice in Serie A. He struggled to make the impact he was expected to with the galaxy of attacking stars in the Rossoneri’s squad. Thus the 22-year-old was sent on loan to Laurent Blanc’s Bordeaux this season where he has recaptured his best form.
The player’s father has voiced doubts as to whether his son will return to the San Siro at the end of the season. He told Gazetta Dello Sport, “Yoann belongs to Milan. He can stay in France - but only with Bordeaux if the team strengthens itself and qualifies for the Champions League.”
“In football, everything is possible. The release clause in his contract (15 million euros) is ambiguous and there is also the possibility of a loan,” he said.
When asked what would need to happen for his son to return to Italy, his father said, “(Obtaining) the confidence of the person who sends him out onto the field. In Bordeaux, he has the confidence of the coach. That is the essential thing.
“At Milan he turned in some good showings but gave the impression of not having found his rhythm. In fact that’s because he did not have the confidence of Ancelotti, who counted on older players and limited (squad) turnover. You cannot not play a 21-year-old - his career is at stake. We all agreed a loan out was necessary.”
Gourcuff was impressive in Bordeaux’s 1-1 Champions League home draw with Chelsea which reportedly caught the eye of Big Phil Scolari who needs to inject some width and pace into his side. However, Gourcuff would be perfect for Liverpool who possess great strength and pace but perhaps lack creativity in their midfield, particularly on the right-hand side. Unlike Manchester United, Rafa Benitez doesn’t possess too many players who can beat a player with a bit of skill particularly in wide areas making Gourcuff a perfect addition to an already strong squad.
Arsenal may well resurrect their past interest in the player if they fail in their bid to sign Andrei Arshavin whilst Spurs need a left-sided player and Gourcuff has the ability to play on either flank or just behind the forwards so may well be suitable. At 6 ft 1 the young star also has the physical strength to compete in the Premier League as well as bundles of skill. Gourcuff has been capped 6 times by his country (1 goal) with all of those appearances coming in 2008 as he has established himself in the French side.
Would you like your club to move for Gourcuff, have you been impressed by what you’ve seen of him this season? Let’s hear your views.
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Tags: AC Milan, Arsene Wenger, Bordeaux, Chelsea, France, Liverpool, Rennes, Tottenham, Yoann Gourcuff
