No Seedorf will start, but don't worry about him being lazy, because these are the games Seedorf actually shows up for

This post has been edited by han2503: Oct 27 2006, 09:12 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJ3fCJJ4Rws
(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wub.gif) ...

awww! he is such a handsome cutie =)
he practically ran into ricky's arms *sigh*

PS: the goal of course was also excellent lol (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

Yoann Gourcuff: Le Petit Zidane

He may have arrived in Milan a relative unknown, but a superb display in the Rossoneri’s Champions League opener has woken the world up to Yoann Gourcuff’s abilities. Anna Molteni of Eurocalcio reports


It is a daunting nickname to bestow on someone so young, but ‘The Little Zidane’ has already been issued to new Milan signing Yoann Gourcuff and there is no turning back now. The ex-Rennes No 10 is an established French Under-21 international and promises to feature at senior level. The youngster only celebrated his 20th birthday in July and, despite being relatively unknown, it seems many clubs were ready to take a gamble on him before the Via Turati side eagerly tracked him down.

Gourcuff reportedly chose Milan above Arsenal, Monaco, Lyon and Paris Saint-Germain when he put pen to paper. “My mind was already made up – I wanted to play for the Rossoneri,” he declared as soon as the deal was finalised. He played mostly on the right for Rennes in a three-man midfield, often lining up just behind a lone striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation, so at Milan he could be an understudy to Kaka.

The native of Plomeur on the Atlantic coast is the definition of a versatile player – an attacking midfielder blessed with speed and technical ability. He’s good with his feet, but also a true athlete – characteristics that have brought the early comparisons with a genius such as Zidane. Gourcuff can’t be called a shot in the dark given these comparisons to Zizou and the love for him at home. The French youngster is also reminiscent of Kaka, not only in his facial expressions – albeit with ice-blue eyes – but also in his build and silky footwork.

Growing up in Rennes, where he was ever-present in the side for the last two seasons, he was a steady striker for the club, who finished seventh in Ligue 1 last term. Gourcuff played 36 matches during the campaign, scoring six goals – his effort in the 4-1 win away to Lyon, a game that Gerard Houllier’s side needed to win to seal the championship, stands out.

Gourcuff also gained experience of continental competition after playing five games in the UEFA Cup for the club. A vital force in France’s domination of European Under-19 football, with a hat-trick in Norway, Gourcuff then became the unquestioned leader of the side under Coach René Girard in this summer’s European Under-21 Championship in Portugal. France won their Group, but were beaten 3-2 in extra time in the semi-finals by eventual winners Holland.

Milan chose to sign Gourcuff because he’s an ever-improving player. Director general Ariedo Braida – who had been involved with the transfer from the start – declared that he was particularly satisfied with the move. Undoubtedly this young talent, of whom we’ve still seen so little, awakens a great deal of curiosity. Cesare Maldini was the first to speak about him. “Our scouts watched him repeatedly and every time we received positive reports,” said the former Red Devils Coach, now a youth scout. “At Rennes he played on the right side, but we think that he could play a Kaka role.

“He’s physically a good athlete and has finesse – I think he’ll adapt well to life in Milan. I was struck by how he could move, how he ran, how comfortable he is on the ball, how he lost his marker and how he got the attention of his teammates,” explained Paolo’s father. “At Milan he can learn so much and hone his abilities. He’s a promising youngster and you can see that his qualities are going to be recognised. Our directors have given him the springboard he needs by gambling on him. Don’t forget that almost half of Europe was on his trail, but he chose Milan.” It’s a calling card for the Frenchman who will soon demonstrate his qualities – the post-Manuel Rui Costa period has already begun.

Channel 4

Good Article .. I hope the post Rui Costa era brings us fortunes (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devil.gif)

Great article. Gourcuff will become a club legend if he stays long enough. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

Gourcuff is a player who will force someone out of the squad, like kaka did to rui costa and rivaldo or he will make ancelotti change the tactical system to accomadate gourcuff like rui costa did when he first arrived

I find him a mix of ZZ and kaka, as he is technically gifted and has great vision like ZZ but he has pace, finishing and flair of kaka

He also resembles kaka alot and that must count for something (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

Very exciting talent

^ Actually Gourcuff doesn't have much pace... But he is agile and a fast dribbler. But I agree with everything else you said.

And he can defend the ball like no one else.

True. I love how frustrated the opposition players get when they can't snatch the ball away from him! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devil.gif)

You mean, Rui Costa style anti dribbling?

Anyone else rekon he has a bit of cristiano ronaldo about him.. like his movements..

I'd love to see that bloke as a milanista. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devil.gif)

Him and kaka' best two midfielders going around!

C.Ronaldo likes to make step overs all the time, no matter what, even if he is about to make a cross, he has to make at least 3 step overs and a flick.

Gourcuff only does it a couple of times and normally only to beat a player

Ronaldo does step overs in any situation. While he is slepping, having sex, showering, dancing in a club, taking a $hit, while driving..............

Gourcoff isn't so fast, but he is constanly running so he seems to be everywhere. He has great technique and vision. Great future player for Milan, if he doesn't go after money to Chelsea. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

BTW i'm back sorry about the long break!

This post has been edited by ToNTZa: Jan 19 2007, 08:39 PM