In recent days, Marseille midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa has been linked with a move to Liverpool. It is believed that he could be a target for Roy Hodgson if Javier Mascherano’s protracted move to Barcelona goes through. Ben Arfa has always been a controversial figure. Ever since his time at the Clairefontaine academy, where some of France’s best footballers developed their skills, Ben Arfa has courted his fair share of controversy. During a French documentary series on the academy, Ben Arfa was shown arguing with fellow Academy player Abou Diaby. His reputation has preceded himself since then.
He was the youngest player at the Academy when he was there and was always someone who looked to prove himself and be at the same level as his older team-mates. By the time he was 15, he was already labelled a prodigy, and when he made his debut for Lyon in 2004, many great things were expected of him. He never quite fulfilled his promise with the club though although there were examples of his exceptional talent during his four year stay at the club. Preceding the arrival of Alain Perrin as manager in 2007, Ben Arfa was preferred as an impact substitute in a central creative midfield role. The arrival of the new manager though would be to Ben Arfa’s benefit.
Perrin switched to a 4-3-3 formation and the subsequent departure of both Sylvain Wiltord before the start of the season helped Ben Arfa establish himself in the first eleven. Playing from the left hand side he excelled in the position playing alongside fellow youngster Karim Benzema. He was named France’s Young Player of the Year for his efforts although it was not long before he would depart from the club. A rumoured rift with Benzema as well as a confrontation with defender Sebastien Squillaci hastened his departure. He was bought by Marseille for €11million, and his two year stay has again been littered by training ground bust ups and fines for missing training. He still appeared 48 times during the 2008/09 season though and scored 8 goals in all competitions. The arrival of Didier Deschamps as manager last season though caused more problems. He rarely started for Deschamps in the first half of the season and the two were involved in a heated row on the training ground which Ben Arfa later apologised for. He got his chance after the mid season break though and he was praised by Deschamps for his performances in January and February. At the end of the season though Ben Arfa stated his desire to leave and since has gone a strike to demand a move away, saying in recent days:
“I will not return to La Commanderie [Marseille’s training ground]. It’s over. I am ready to not play this season. I have my pride, my dignity. I am not a stop-gap. Over time, people will see that I was right. Just because we are paid does not mean we are slaves.”
With all this controversy then a move for the 23 year old would be a big risk but if Roy’s calming influence could have an effect on Ben Arfa, who knows this French playmaker could be an inspired purchase.
Follow us on twitter @live4Liverpool
Live4Liverpool is recruiting columnists. For further info contact the site editor at editor@live4liverpool.com
Many of the worlds greatest sporting talents are flawed personality wise.
The issue i find most pressing is if Roy can get him to produce his best consistently then he is exactly what they need at the club.
The but is his worst performances as a player and person are exactly what the club does not need i say get him take a punt we cant afford to get that sort talent anywhere else.
he’s a good player
Good player he may well be but he’s a headcase and we need reliable players right now.
yea of course Andy! let’s stick with looking for players with a high work rate and ‘good character & mentality’ (that still lose their confidence as soon as the team loses) as that has worked out so well for the club so far!
Like Lucas n Kuyt Jay i agree
Javier Mascherano was sitting in West Ham’s subs bench for good 2 season before Rafa bought him and made him first class player, captain of Argentina & now attract interest from 2 biggest club in Europe. If Roy is good, he too can get the best out of Ben Arfa. He’s a good player, at 23, requires much more playing time…and might get just that in Liverpool…i’d say, sell Masch ASAP, and sign Ben Arfa…no point keeping a an old cow who wouldn’t milk