PROFILE: Gabriel Obertan
Posted on | May 5, 2009 | No Comments
Who?: A speedy French winger plying his trade at FC Lorient in Ligue 1 in France, although he is currently on loan there from Bordeaux, who farmed him out so he could get more playing time in what is a title-chasing season for the bigger club. Skilful and now appearing in the French under-21s, he looks set for a career at a higher level.
Some stats: He’s 6ft 1” and still only 20. Has mainly appeared as a sub in Ligue 1 when with Bordeaux (54 apps) but has been better suited to Lorient. With the end of the season approaching, he could return to the western team and make his breakthrough next term. Comfortable on either foot, but seems to prefer his right, which he can use to good effect when cutting in quickly from the left.
Clubs interested: A fair few, most notably Chelsea, who have been following him pretty much since he emerged from the famous Clairefontaine academy in France. Most of the interest so far has indeed come from England, with Tottenham and Manchester United also reportedly interested. The waiting list has shrunk since his bench-warming days at Bordeaux, but the queue will surely form again this summer.
Has been compared to: We’re so on the ball with this one no-one has really jumped in with any unreasonable comparisons yet. So let’s start by saying Franck Ribery with longer legs.
They say: “…incredible skills for his young age, which make us believe he’s the next phenomenon France has been waited for” – http://makesmewonder.org/obertan/
Other facts: Three caps so far for France under-21s, and popped his first goal in for them in a friendly against England in March.
Video: YouTube highlights of some of his Bordeaux appearances
Chris Breese
[Photo: Nico de Passion Marine GNU]
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