Zidane: The early years

Zinedine Zidane will always be remembered for is World Player of the Year awards, his time at Real Madrid and Juventus and his incredible 1998 World Cup Final performance against Brazil -oh, and his Marco Materazzi headbutt.

Zidane played his first game in First Division at the age of 17 for Cannes, the up and coming midfielder scored his first goal during his second season on the 8th February 1991, many more would follow.

I made a video of early footage from his career: his first game, first goal and season, full head of hair. Interspersed is commentary from the player. Worth a watch:

West Ham and the stupid signing

“Unrivalled stupidity" is what outspoken French national coach Raymond Domenech's calls Julien Faubert after news that he decided to join West Ham from Bordeaux.

"I can't understand Faubert's decision apart from the financial point of view. When certain players call me to talk about me their transfer I tell them it's okay to play for one of the top four clubs in England, Germany, Italy or Spain, but this is stupidity. What a pity when he is on the verge of the French team. I have trouble understanding it." -Domenech

What I have trouble understanding is how the pedigree of the player’s club should affect a decision of a coach to play him in the national side. It’s a sort of bigotry to say that since you didn’t leave for Manchester United and play Champion’s League, then you are ruled out.

I think it’s more stupid for all of these players who join elite clubs with little chance for a starting role and end up with their names carved on a bench and leaving two years later for half of what they signed for and a career to recover. That’s stupid. That's what will likely happen to Yossi Benayoun.

Faubert, 23, has made one start for the French national side so far and looks poised to start no more while Domenech is coach, impressed in his first pre-season friendly this weekend. He played 45 minutes of and will play again against Austrian side Sigma today. With both West Ham midfielders sold, the position is wide open.

The Hammers paid 6.1m pounds to Bordeaux for Faubert who originally wanted a move to Rangers and had refused to train at Bordeaux when he was denied the transfer.

Frankly, this is none of Domenech's business. Faubert should be judged on his performances and not whether he earns more money or not, something I am SURE no player cares about.

Villarreal: move over big boys, I too can land starlet

Rio Mavuba from Bordeaux is set to leave France for Spain and sign for Villareal as the player left pre-season training to negotiate with the club. The 23 year old midfielder has been heavily linked all summer to top clubs including Manchester United, Arsenal and Juventus but is headed to Spain in an 8m pound steal.

Mavuba will sign a four-year deal at El Madrigal. After four years at Bordeaux, is prepared for a bigger league and should have seen the switch last season. He’s a very talented defensive midfielder and has been slowly building his place within the French national side. He’s opted for Villareal because he’ll get first team football regularly. Apparently he’s very concerned with his ability to place for France and doesn’t want to risk being off the team sheet at United or Arsenal.

The young Frenchman of Angolan decent will join former French international Robert Pires at the club, who left Arsenal last season after rejecting a one year contract.

For Villareal this would make it five new arrivals and six players departing the club for the new look team.