Former Manchester City midfielder Patrick Vieira is adamant that France coach Laurent Blanc has got to take Newcastle forward Hatem Ben Arfa to the European Championships.
The highly-rated winger has earned rave reviews for his performances this season after recovering from a broken leg and the pressure is now on les Bleus boss Laurent Blanc to include the 25-year-old in the 23-man squad.
“Ben Arfa deserves to go to the European Championship,“ Patrick Vieira told The Mirror.
“He has very strong claims to go, and you’ve got to say well done to him for coming back to his best after his injuries.”
In spite of starting just 11 Premier League games this season, Ben Arfa has 5 goals and 6 assists to his name and he has been one of the key performers in Newcastle’s push for a top 4 finish.
The Magpies manager Alan Pardew admits he is delighted with the player’s recent form.
“Hatem’s right up there with any player I’ve ever worked with,” Pardew said.
“He should definitely have a chance with the French squad. There’s not many players can do the things he does, his work-rate is phenomenal and I’m sure the French manager understands that.
“He can go that quickly but still put the ball exactly where he wants it. It’s only the great dribblers that can do that.”
France arrive to Poland and Ukraine in confident mood after going unbeaten in last 18 games, and les Bleus are 15.00 (14/1) with BetVictor to go all the way.
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