Mainz 05 coach Juergen Klopp believes Egyptian forward Mohamed Zidan is capable of playing at the highest levels after his extraordinary displays with the German side this season. "Zidan's deal expires in 2010 but I don't think he will remain until that year. He is qualified to play in the best European teams given his brilliant skills," Klopp told Al-Jazeera sports channel on Friday. Since his arrival from Werder Bremen in the January transfer window, Zidan has been a revelation with Mainz, notching 10 goals in 10 appearances in the club's bid to avoid relegation. The former FC Midtjylland man was voted Bundesliga player of the month in February in a poll conducted by German sports daily Kicker, DSF channel and the Bundesliga organizing committee.
The Egyptian fans' favorite Zidan said he is happy to play on a regular basis with Mainz, while expressing his hope to seal a move to a top European league like England and Spain. "I'm always included in the starting line-up and that gives me self-confidence, I'm pleased to be an indispensable player in the team," he said. The 25-year-old commented on the name similarity between him and Zinedine Zidane, hoping one day that he can emulate the French legend's success. "I have been receiving comments on my name since I was 15 but the French superstar has retired and there is only one Zidan now," he joked.
