There was a time when Hatem Ben Arfa was rated as one of the best young talents in the world.
Back in the mid-noughties, he combined with Karim Benzema are part of Lyon’s attack. In fact he was rated by many as the more talented of the pair.
Alas, a combination of rotten attitude and a cursed injury record curtailed the diminutive Frenchman’s progress, and he never truly fulfilled his potential.
But on Sunday night he gave a glimpse of his God-given skills with a sensational dribble and finish for Nice against Saint-Étienne. It’s no exaggeration to suggest it was Messi-esque.
It just makes you wonder what could have been…
Unbelievable goal from @Hatem_Ben_Arfa, as the former @NUFC star beats five men before slotting home for @ogcnice. http://t.co/1S6gOMRZnh
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 27, 2015