Former Manchester United legend as described Houssem Aouar as a reincarnation of Samir Nasri, with the Algerian star with praised by the 41-year-old Manchester legend.
Speaking to BT Sport, he said
“He [Aouar] provides creativity in this team. A kid so young but he’s relied upon so much. That shows the belief they’ve got in him and the belief he has in himself,” Ferdinand told BT Sport. “You see his imagination and the pictures he creates and sees on the pitch, the vision, and tactical awareness.
“The confidence is what exudes out of this boy. He’s a fabulous player to watch. He drives past people, and then it’s about decision-making and the timing of the pass. “He has it all. He reminds me of [former Arsenal and Manchester City star] Samir Nasri at times. He’s someone who can be a top player at one of the top clubs in Europe.”
Houssem Aouar joined Olympic Lyon in 2009 as an 11-year-old boy, from Athletic Club De Villeurbanne where he played from 2006 before he moves to Lyon’s U19 team playing 11 times and scoring three goals with one assist, his performance earned him a move up the team as he joined the senior team in 2016 when he signed a three years professional contract with the team
He made his debut against Az Alkmaar in the Europa League fixture when he came on as a substitute in the 84th minute. He picked up the iconic number 8 jersey famously worn by Juninho for the 2017/18 season.
The midfielder has gone on to play a pivotal role for the club, scoring against RB Leipzig in their champions league group stage as they secured a place in the round of 16, he was also instrumental in his side impressive win against Juventus and Man city before they were eliminated in the semifinal of the champions league by German champions Bayern Munich.
Aouar is a slick midfielder who has been compared to Nasir due to his ability to glide his way through the middle of the pitch and his calmness on the ball; he also has great technique with the ball.
However, Just like French and Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane he has an Algerian ancestry but has represented France in U17 and U21 with a total of 17 caps and four goals. He has made over 90 appearances for Lyon with 16 goals; his performance has caught the eyes of some of Europe’s top clubs with man city and Chelsea interested in the midfielder.
