The midfielder joined West Ham United on a six-month deal earlier this month.
West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini spoke exclusively to the club’s official website about the quality of Samir Nasri, and insisted that he was never worried about the Frenchman’s ability to readjust to the pace of the English game.
Nasri, 31, made his debut for the Hammers against Birmingham City in the FA Cup on Saturday, playing 57 minutes for Pellegrini’s side, and the midfielder really impressed with his touch, tight control, and wide range of passing.
The former Arsenal and Manchester City man could prove to be a vital player for West Ham during the second half of the season, and if he manages to find his best form, he will undoubtedly be a huge coup for the east London outfit.
Pellegrini spoke to the club’s official website, and explained how seeing Nasri train first hand convinced him that signing the 31-year-old would not be a risk:
“He is a player who gives you time with the ball and has good technique and the ball is always around him. I was never worried about Samir because I saw him working for so many days in December so I was sure he was able to play.”
Nasri is currently on a short-term deal with West Ham – one that expires in the summer, so he has a lot to prove between now and the end of the season.
His talent is unquestionable, but whether or not he still has the physical attributes needed to cope with the intensity of the Premier League remains to be seen.
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