Even though he has been struggling long to rediscover his goalscoring form, Mido is somehow still capable of winning praise at the Premiership. The towering striker had an unpromising start to the season at his boyhood club Zamalek, where he was supposed to stay till next summer on loan from Middlesbrough. Mido moved to the Cairo giants in an attempt to get back in Egypt's fold ahead of this year's African Cup of Nations, but the deal bore bitter fruit. The 27-year-old scored a single goal against Gouna and was nothing more than a mediocre performer in the first half of the season. As such, he failed to regain a spot in the Pharaohs' squad. But he didn't give himself over to frustration. Mido tried once again to resurrect his career by cutting short his stint at Zamalek to join West Ham United this winter for a staggering £4,000 monthly wage. "I had to sacrifice some things but I am here to play football. I am here to prove a point, definitely," he commented after completing the loan signing. After having an unproductive Zamalek spell and failing to return to the international stage, Mido wasn't expected to have an upbeat demeanor at Upton Park. However, the charismatic lad has been sweating blood for two months to revive his glory days, and was acclaimed for his effort. Brilliant Attitude West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola lauded Mido's attitude, although the former Tottenham Hotspur man is yet to open his account with the Hammers. "Mido gets better and better. We didn't have many opportunities but he worked his socks off against Arsenal," the Italian tactician said after his team's 2-0 loss to the Gunners. "To be honest, his attitude has been brilliant. And that is the reason why he is playing. He came here and he has been working hard and is gaining his place here."
Zola (R) It's not the first time for Mido to be commended on his professionalism in England despite his lack of first-team football and inability to find the net. Last term, The Egyptian front-man netted only a couple of goals during the six months he spent at Wigan Athletic, and yet; his then coach Steve Bruce paid tribute to him more than once. Mido converted a penalty kick during a 1-1 draw with Liverpool in January 2008, before scoring his second goal with the Latics against Arsenal nearly six weeks later. His stay at the JJB Stadium was by far fruitless but his dedication was applauded anyway. "I think you can see why I like Mido. He's trained hard since he's come here, done everything he possibly can to get fitter," ex-Manchester United center back Bruce said in April 2009. English tabloid The Sun reported that Bruce wanted Mido to work with him again after he took charge of Sunderland. No tangible offer was tabled though. Former Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate was also an admirer of the controversial player's personality and positive energy. "He's had a big impact on the dressing room in a positive way," he said shortly after Mido joined the Riverside in 2007. Successful Anywhere? Oddly enough, Mido is hardly admirable in Egypt. It's widely understood that his praiseworthy persona in Europe used to change radically while on international duty. The ex-Ajax ace started his international career in 2001 but his influence with Egypt was never drastic, even when his club form was impressive. His reputation as an Egypt figure was completely blemished after his infamous row with Hassan Shehata in the 2006 Nations Cup.
Hossam Hassan is convinced with Mido's capabilities too Mido picked a fierce quarrel that could have developed into a fist fight with the decorated coach, when the latter decided to take him off. After his uncharacteristic outburst, Mido persistently sought to restore his status as a regular Egypt footballer, albeit to no avail. Shehata snubbed him repeatedly whilst he was constantly plagued with nagging injuries in the last four years. Consequently, his international appearances became rare till he eventually lost his berth with the African champions. Early this term, Mido's Zamalek goal drought as well as occasional on-pitch misbehavior tarnished his image in Egypt even more. Quite a few pundits wondered whether Mido, who has been plying his trade in Europe for a whole decade, didn't bother to adapt a professional approach during his brief homeland adventure. But Zamalek boss Hossam Hassan believes that his former teammate showed a great deal of consistency with the White Knights, considering the circumstances at the time. "Mido did great at Zamalek," Hassan, who played alongside Mido in the 2006 African Cup, told FilGoal.com. "He was always influential upfront and as a striker he was fulfilling his duties. But after all, you need a bit of luck to get your name on the score sheet. "His movements, passes and goal attempts were amazing, he wasn't prolific though. "Apart from being occasionally jinxed, Mido arrived at Zamalek while the club were going through a lot, so he couldn't settle down easily." Like many Premier League managers, Hassan dished out praise for Mido when asked about his capabilities and potential. "Generally speaking, he's a pivotal player. His attributes are unique and that's why all coaches love him," Hassan said. "He can be successful anywhere he wants, not just in England. All he needs to do is to improve his match fitness."
