He's young, good-looking and talented - what's the downside to being Yoann Gourcuff right now? There isn't one, although it's too soon to say whether we can add "job saver" to his list of attributes. The playmaker's sensational 35-yard equaliser against Romania on Saturday night, however, was the best hope beleaguered France boss Raymond Domenech has of keeping his post.
We'll find out on Wednesday night whether France's controversial coach stays or goes after taking just four points a possible nine in les Bleus' opening three World Cup qualifiers. But, in the meantime, French football fans are celebrating the arrival of a player who could be pivotal for years to come. Gourcuff was outstanding in France's 2-2 draw in Constanta on Saturday night, so a newly adoring home welcome awaits him if he runs out France's friendly against Tunisia at Stade de France tonight.
The fact that he's finally blossomed isn't a surprise to watchers who've followed his career closely. After starting his career at the Brittany club Rennes, he attracted attention from a host of rich clubs from across Europe and moved to AC Milan while still a teenager two years ago. During a difficult time in Italy he failed to win over the manager Carlo Ancelott and returned to France last June when Bordeaux signed him on a loan.
Anxious to make up for lost time, Gourcuff began this season in sensational fashion and earned a first national team start against Serbia last month. His man-of-the-match performance in France's 2-1 win hinted at more to come. The "more" came last Saturday: he exhibited his full range of skills against the Romanians, setting up Franck Ribery's goal with a deft flick when France trailed 2-0 and unleashing that magnificent, dipping drive to make the score 2-2 21 minutes from time. Until that point no one had dared mentioned the "Z" word - Zidane - but there's no point denying the comparisons anymore. Zinedine Zidane and Gourcuff both made their international debuts at 22, flourished for Bordeaux and operate in the same area of the pitch. But there's more to it than that - Gourcuff manoeuvres the ball beneath and between his feet like Zidane did. When the playmaker's in possession, it's like watching the great man all over again.
Thierry Henry summed it up. "There's a lot about him that reminds me of Zizou, the way he collects the ball and moves it around," he said. "Aside from his unbelievable goal, I was impressed with his all-round performance. The comparison [with Zidane] is inevitable. When you have a point of reference like Zidane, it's normal to always compare a new player with him." With his good looks and new-found status - not to mention rumours of a relationship with the French swimmer Laure Manaudou - which he denies - Gourcuff will attract attention beyond the sports pages. But his father, Christian, the straight-talking coach of Ligue 1 outfit Lorient, believes his son's feet will stay on the ground.
"He's ready to cope with the pressure," says Gourcuff snr. "His second year at Milan was very difficult because he hardly played. That helped him gain maturity. He's only 22 but I think he's able to handle things a lot better than other players his age because of what he's gone through. His two years at Milan were a great education. In terms of handling pressure, it was a great education. He's very mature for his age."
Ten days ago, when Bordeaux travelled to Lorient for a game against his dad's club, Gourcuff jnr spent the night after the match at the family home. So there are no signs of him getting carried away by fame just yet. But, no matter how low-key he stays, there's no doubt the latest French superstar has been born. jeastham@thenational.ae
