Name:Robert Pirès Place of Birth:Reims, France Date of Birth:30 January, 1973 Position:Midfielder Clubs:Metz (France, Division 1), Marseille (France, Division 1), Arsenal (England, Premiership) Rating of Player:(skills, leadership, etc., out of 100) 80 Importance to Team:7.5 out of 10
Why is he a key player?
To an Arsenal fans, Robert Pires is an integral part of the Gunners' French connection. A crafty midfielder who always seems to be sauntering, Pires is a crisp, clean passer with an eye for tucking away goals. Able to play any midfield role, his brilliant partnership with Patrick Viera and Thierry Henry will certainly be appreciated by France coach Jacques Santini.
Pires will hope to make the 2004 Eurocup his second title, having been part of the stunning side that took the competition four years ago. Always the provider, Pires orchestrated David Trezeguet's winner against Italy, making France Europe's first champions of the new millennium. Recurring knee problems kept him out of France's failed 2002 World Cup campaign as well as the early qualification run for this year's Eurocup He is tried, tested and true when it comes to international play with well over 50 caps to his name. Following his first international match in 1996, then coach Aimé Jacquet included Pires in his winning 1998 World Cup squad. The Frenchman made three appearances and scored one goal. Stemming from the Metz youth ranks, Pires spent six seasons with the club. A move to Marseille partnered him with the likes of Fabrizio Ravanelli and Florient Maurice. Poor form prompted his transfer to Arsenal where he has been nothing short of spectacular. As a Gunner, Pires has helped win a league double FA Cup and league title in 2001/2002 and an FA Cup the following year. And let's not forget shattering a 115 year old record with Arsenal's undefeated 2003/2004 season. French coach Jacques Santini will be hoping that Robert Pires will remain fit through the competition. With a long history of accomplishments and midfield teammates such as Zinedine Zidane and Patrick Viera, both France and Robert Pires are slated to shine at the 2004 Eurocup. | 
發表於 2007-10-24 12:07 AM
| 
