Sevilla FC: Three hopes, one fear

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SEVILLE, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 27: Samir Nasri of Sevilla FC looks on during the UEFA Champions League match between Sevilla FC and Olympique Lyonnais at Sanchez Pizjuan stadium on September 27, 2016 in Seville. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde Colomer/Getty Images) /

Hope #1: That Samir Nasri’s head is on straight.

Remember when Samir Nasri was supposed to be the next great midfielder in world football. It wasn’t that long ago that Nasri’s name was being mentioned as one of the top players in the game, a can’t miss prospect. During his time with Arsenal there was perhaps no hotter prospect with a higher upside than him.

But after a lengthy stay on the bench with Manchester City and fights with various members of the French national team, Nasri has seen a fall from grace. Now he is no longer seen as a top prospect but more or less as damaged goods.

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For Sevilla this is very much a low-risk high reward situation. If Nasri can come in with a fresh attitude and a willingness to earn minutes then they quite possibly could have the player that could move them from top seven to top four in La Liga. Nasri played just eight matches last season for City but in his limited time he showed that he still has the speed and passing skills necessary to be a difference-maker in a top flight European league. If he loses interest or ends up being a problem, Sevilla can simply not use him and he will be gone at the end of the season.

In the end it is up to Nasri to decide what is important to him. At 29, does he want to start and fulfill his potential? Or does he want to continue his downward slide?

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