Nicolas Anelka

50 Top Soccer Player their trade today, based on a combination of current form, potential and overall ability.  Ranking  determined by a panel of contributors to ESPN's soccer.

Nicolas Anelka Rank Player 40

Profile
Birth name                 Abdul Salam Bilal
Other name                Nicolas Sebastien Anelka 
Birth date                   March 14, 1979
Birth place                 Le Chesnay, France
Height                       1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
Playing position          Striker
Current club               Shanghai Shenhua
Number                     39
Previous team            Chelsea


Biography
Nicolas Anelka   is a former French international footballer, who plays as a striker for Shanghai Shenhua. Anelka was also a regular starter for the French national team.

Former Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has described him as a quick player with good aerial ability, technique, shooting, and movement off the ball. Anelka began his career at Paris Saint-Germain, but soon moved to Arsenal. He became a first team regular and won the PFA

On 12 December 2011, Shanghai Shenhua announced that they have reached an agreement with Anelka to join the team when the winter transfer window opens.  Anelka has played many times at international level and won his first international honours with France at Euro 2000, and won the Confederations Cup the following year.

CScouting thumbnail
Moody striker who has the entire package of skills, physical presence and ability to score in every fashion. Can play as the lead striker or the secondary striker and provide assists for his partner.