Several Premier League clubs have been closely following Nicola Zigic`s situation at Valencia where the towering 6ft 8inch striker is currently struggling to stake a place in the first team....
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However, the likes of Hull, Stoke and Birmingham have so far failed to convince the Serbian that a move to the Premier league is in his best interests. Zigic has previously enjoyed two successful spells at La Liga side Racing Santander where he has averaged around a goal every other game, but he is finding it hard to fit into the playing system at Valencia.
Unai Emery has created a side that likes to play a dynamic, pacey, counter –attacking game at the Mestalla, and the Valencia coach is prepared to allow Zigic to leave the club as he feels that the Serbians lack of pace and tendency to hold up play does not fit with his system.
It is a case of being the right player for somebody at the wrong club as far as Zigic is concerned – and despite scoring goals on the handful of appearances he has made for Valencia this season – he is going to get very little playing time. However, the former Serbian is a great professional with a good attitude and, rather than complaining or pushing for a move; he has told Emery that he would like to stay at the Mestalla and remain “a part of something special.”
Personally speaking, I think it`s a shame that, so far, he has not been persuaded of the merits of a move to one of these Premier League clubs. His style could be perfect for them and he is well suited to the English game. As he has shown at Santander, his goalscoring record is fairly decent and while he may not have the goalscoring ability that you might expect from a big man, his ability to pass the ball with his head – one of the best around in fact – and ability to win knock downs for a strike partner would make him a good asset for any side that plays that way. His appearance may be a little clumsy – a bit like Crouch in some ways – but that does not prevent him from being a very good finisher.
