Samir Nasri: Can the Arsenal Player Become One of the World's Best?

When Alexander Hleb left in the Summer of 2008 to pursue a career with Spanish giants Barcelona, many felt the departure of the Belorussian would leave a huge hole in the Arsenal attack.

Thankfully, it didn't, thanks to the arrival of Samir Nasri.

The Frenchman signed from French giants Marseille for £12.5 million. Nasri had impressed during his four-year spell in Ligue 1. The midfielder made his debut as a 17-year-old and proved to be a predominant figure of the Marseille attack. The French international even won the French Ligue One Young Player Of The Year in 2007. 

In last year's campaign, Nasri's debut season in the Premier League, the footballing world witnessed what a gem the 22-year-old was.

Nasri was a constant figure in the Arsenal line up, playing a stunning 44 matches and scoring seven goals, two of which came in his outstanding performance against Manchester United, where Arsenal were 2-1 victors.

But during the pre-season Nasri suffered a leg break and spent the first couple of months on the sideline.

After a slow start, the French star looks to be returning to top form. A strong performance yesterday against Burnley (which included a terrific assist for captain Cesc Fabregas) assured fans who will begin to grow more faith in the young talent.

So can Samir Nasri become one of the world's best?

The former Pennes Mirabeau youth is blessed with amazing speed and balance. Plus, with his great footwork passing, vision, and mobility, Arsene Wenger has likened him to former Arsenal great Robert Pires.

However, Nasri has a great tendency to struggle with consistency—often having a strong performance one week and then a shocker the next. But the 5'10" attacking midfielder has all the traits to become a sensational star for Arsenal and France.

Is Samir Nasri capable of becoming one of the world's greatest footballers?