Former Bordeaux player Nicolas Maurice-Belay provides an in-depth perspective on Hatem Ben Arfa’s arrival at Bordeaux, the current challenges faced by the team, and the pivotal upcoming clash against PSG.
Nicolas, do you think Hatem Ben Arfa is the right recruit for the Girondins?
Nicolas Maurice-Belay: Absolutely, I think he’s a great recruit. The team had visible gaps in midfield, especially in terms of technical quality. Hatem brings something unique to the table, a spark the team needed. However, he’s joined at a difficult time for the club, especially with collective results not meeting expectations.
Even so, considering he hasn’t played consistently for some time, he’s in excellent physical shape, and his technical abilities remain top-notch. He’s already forming good connections with players like Yacine Adli and Mehdi Zerkane. The key now is for him to continue building those relationships and to get even stronger physically. At the same time, the team itself needs to improve overall for his efforts to fully shine.
It’s been a challenging season for Bordeaux. How do you see the situation?
NMB: It’s true that decisions made in the past are affecting the team now, and it’s not something that can be fixed overnight. There’s a lot to address, but with Jean-Louis Gasset and Hatem Ben Arfa, there’s hope. These are two vital figures for the club right now.
However, time is not on our side. A win in the next match could be a real turning point. Not just for morale but for setting the tone for the rest of the season.
Bordeaux is set to face PSG at the Parc des Princes next week. What are your thoughts on the match, and can Ben Arfa make a difference?
NMB: It’s going to be a tough challenge. Facing PSG, the strongest team in the league, demands top-level performance from the entire squad. For Hatem, it’s not just about his individual brilliance, which he has in abundance. But about the collective effort.
Technically, Hatem is capable of outplaying anyone in one-on-one situations. That’s one of his biggest strengths. But the team as a whole needs to step up. Against a team like PSG, you can’t rely on individual moments alone. Everyone needs to be at their best, physically and tactically.
In your opinion, what makes Ben Arfa stand out?
NMB: Hatem’s technical ability is unmatched. He can change the course of a game with a single move. What sets him apart is his creativity and the way he takes on opponents without fear. It’s rare to see a player with his level of confidence in one-on-one situations.
But as much as his skill can be decisive, the team’s overall structure and performance are just as critical. If Bordeaux can stabilize as a unit, Hatem’s individual talent will shine even brighter.