I Am Not The New Zidane – Gourcuff

The ascent from bit-part player at AC Milan to national superstar has been remarkably sharp for 22 year-old midfielder Yoann Gourcuff. A summer loan move to Bordeaux has kick-started the career of the Brittany-born man in a remarkable fashion and to such an extent that his game has been compared with that of the great Zinedine Zidane.

Such a comparison is far from rare in France; already this season, stars that are establishing themselves as top level players such as Samir Nasri and Karim Benzema have been likened to ‘Zizou’ while young Grenoble midfielder Sofaine Feghouli has also been burdened by a such a assessment.

Gourcuff’s style is certainly more Zidane-esque than any other the other players equated to the World Cup winner yet he would happily shed these ties.

“I am Yoann Gourcuff, that’s all,” he told l’Equipe, “It seems to be that ever young offensive player [is likened to Zidane]. It’s flattering the first time around because Zidane was an exciting, unique player. After that, we should forget comparisons. They are not good. They put players under too much pressure. All players are different.”

Reticent to speak about his future, the former Rennes man explained that he could return to AC Milan once his loan spell in France has expired but was forceful when he said that he would not, “return under the same conditions” – i.e. he would not be willing to spend next season as a substitute.

Having played 22 matches since debuting for Bordeaux at the beginning of August, Gourcuff is certainly well used to first team football and, despite the threat of fatigue, is ready to play for France against Uruguay on Wednesday.

Robin Bairner