Since signing for Manchester City from Arsenal back in summer 2011, Samir Nasri has had much criticism from some corners over a lack of grace over the way he conducted his move, or his motives for signing for the Blues. Many believed he showed a lack of respect to the Gunners in the weeks leading up to the completion of the transfer; turning his back on the club that had helped the Frenchman make his name in English football. They also thought he had only moved to Eastlands for the financial incentive that was undoubtedly being offered.
Whilst that financial gain may have been a factor – as it has been to so many players joining the Citizens over the last few years, it is difficult to believe that that would be the only reason the French international would make such a big move. It is easy to forget that when the move was made in 2011, Nasri was just 24 and trying to make a name for himself in football as a big asset for clubs like Arsenal. He would be eager not to build up a reputation as a money-grabber, especially at that tender stage in his career.
Nevertheless, he did manage to attain that status, especially among Gunners fans, who’d also lost captain Cesc Fàbregas in the same summer, to his hometown club Barcelona. Somehow in the space of just a few years, Arsene Wenger’s side had managed to go from a side in the UEFA Champions League Final, to one that could possibly be described as a selling club. Their top players were often jumping ship for bigger things, particularly in 2011 and 2012, when Fàbregas, Nasri and also Dutch striker Robin Van Persie all left in the space of a year.
The main ammunition critics use when trying to make Nasri out as a flop or as a player who moved for the monetary benefits is a supposed lack of playing time gifted by former boss Roberto Mancini in the two years the pair were together at the Etihad Stadium. The two never really got on with each other, typified by their falling out last season, in which the Italian reportedly threatened to hit the midfielder after their relationship reached tipping point. Had the former Internazionale boss still been in charge now, it is hard to believe that the Les Bleus midfielder would still be a part of this expensively-assembled Manchester City squad.
Even so, the very notion that Samir Nasri is starved of playing time by the staff at his club is ridiculous. As it stands, the 26-year-old has played over 90 games for the Citizens, and is getting more and more effective in the side now managed by Manuel Pellegrini as each game passes. Last season Manchester City may have been slightly underwhelmed by the midfielder, but he still showed flashes of what he is capable as Manchester City stumbled through the 2012-13 season.
In that campaign, he still managed an impressive 38 appearances in all competitions, despite the fall-out with his manager. In his debut season he played an important part in City’s title-winning campaign, playing 31 in the league and scoring 5. One example of a big part he played was in City’s home game against Chelsea late in the campaign, where he scored a late winner in order to keep the Blues in the title race. This is just one of the many times where he has showcased his importance to the squad.
There was a lot of pressure and criticism on the attacking midfielder at times, which did cause him troubles during his second season with the club. Often he was accused of a poor work-rate and not tracking back to defend and support his full-back, which coupled with some poor performances caused the media and sections of the City support to get on his back. He has spoken of the hurt this caused him recently, but it left him determined to improve and prove why he is worthy to still be playing in the blue half of Manchester.
This season, he is showcasing that willingness as he looks ever more impressive under his new Chilean manager, Manuel Pellegrini. Teams of the size of Manchester United and Tottenham have been swept aside with ease (ten goals were scored by City against these two combined) at the Etihad this season, with Nasri playing a big part in the team, especially whilst the diminutive David Silva has been struggling with injuries. Away from home, the Blues have been less impressive, but on home soil they are a tougher nut than ever to crack.
Meanwhile, Samir Nasri looks en route to a better season than ever before. So far he has played 18 times for the Citizens, and has scored five already as he looks set to prove his worth to the new staff and players, as well as loyal fans, at the Etihad. He is starting to look a lot more like the player Manchester City thought they had signed in August 2011, and the player they got glimpses of in the following season, before he turned into the Nasri we saw last season. It seems the Frenchman is back – and with a big point to prove. No longer is Samir Nasri, “The Invisible Man”.
