Clinical finishing, remarkable stamina, prowess, tenacity and work rate. What else does Amr Zaki need to become one of the best strikers in the world? Steve Bruce's quote- "According to FIFA statistics, Zaki is the best striker in the world"- was not taken seriously by many. However, an audacious start with Wigan suggests that the Zak can make it. No doubt that it's far too early for such high expectations, but with some consistency, the 25-year-old can only develop into one of the high-profile forwards in Europe. In Egypt's recent win over DR Congo, and despite the abnormal circumstances, the in-form Zaki proved that he is ready to give 100% regardless of the surrounding conditions. Throughout the past couple of years, Zaki's level of performance witnessed unwavering progress, but since making the move to Wigan, he seems to be en route to becoming a world class striker. A few weeks ago, Wigan symbolized a 'dream move' for Zaki, but the 25-year-old has proven to be a dream buy for the Latics. The question of 'will Zaki return to Zamalek after his loan finishes?' is now better uttered as 'will Zaki stay with Wigan or move to a bigger club?' The way he has settled in at JJB is phenomenal, it took him no time to get used to an absolutely new life, you rarely see that when the destination is of the Premier League's standard.
No doubt that it's far too early for such high expectations, but with some consistency, the 25-year-old can only develop into one of the high-profile forwards in Europe. Playing against Baladeya and Aluminum is totally different from competing against Chelsea and Manchester United. It is believed that Hani Ramzi, Ahmed Hassan and Mido are the most successful Egyptians ever to ply their trade abroad. Ramzi's success with Werder Bremen and Kaiserslautern had to be preceded by a four-year spell in the lower-level Swiss league with Neuchatel Xamax. Similarly, Egypt skipper Hassan took his time in Turkey before reaching his peak with Anderlecht between 2006 and 2008. As for Mido, he played in no less than five European leagues before making his way through the tough English game. Unlike them all, the Bulldozer is the first to make a big-step move from an Egyptian club to a top European league, and yet make an impact as soon he arrives. His three-month spell with Lokomotiv Moscow in 2006 cannot be taken into consideration, as he played zero games with the Russian side. Zaki proved that the 'tough weather conditions in Russia' can be accepted as an excuse for his failure at Lokomotiv in 2006. In Egypt, the majority of football pundits believes that no Egyptian is fit enough to play for a top-four side in the Premiership, but I think that the Zak has what it takes to represent the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea.
