Anelka is 'a dream to coach', says Keegan

Nicolas Anelka, the player branded ‘Le Sulk’ at Arsenal, has become the epitome of the perfect pro at Manchester City.

Kevin Keegan calls him “a dream to coach” and the most diligent trainer he has encountered since David Beckham, with the French striker having to be dragged in from the practice pitch on a regular basis.

Anelka, who cost City £13million in the summer, has yet to get off the mark for his new club, but Keegan believes it is only a matter of time before he begins to score freely.

As for his personality, Anelka appears to have matured since his tetchy Highbury era. Compatriot Sylvain Distin says the quietness of old is still there, but that the 23-year-old striker is enjoying life at Maine Road.

Keegan is happy too with his signing, saying: “A lot things have been said about this guy but I judge people as I find them. He has been a dream to coach - if anything he probably spends too much time out on the training pitch.

“We have to tell him to go in from training and the last person I had to do that with was David Beckham when I was the England manager.

“When people say to me ‘what’s he like?’, you think of ‘dedication’. He’s a talented item, the guy stays around, practises those free-kicks and works on things, and that’s what Nicolas Anelka does.

“If you put that time in on the training ground you get it back on the big pitch – not every week, but over the season you come out on top.”

Keegan was bitterly disappointed with City’s limp defeat at Aston Villa in midweek, especially following their excellent 1-0 win against Newcastle, but Anelka is not one of those who has faced criticism.

“His work-rate and commitment to the team effort has been first class. I have no doubt in my mind he will score goals and I don’t think there’s any in his either,” added Keegan.

“We could have provided him with better service – Darren Huckerby could have looked up a few times against Newcastle and given him a quite easy chance.

“He has a powerful shot, electric pace and he’s hungry so I think once he gets one it will start a run for him.”

Distin added: “I know Nicolas from his time at Paris. He’s a really good guy, really quiet, but is doing well here.

“I think he has a good opportunity to get his place back in the France squad - he certainly has all the qualities.”

Everton represent the next chance for Anelka, who spent the second half on last season on loan at Liverpool, to get off the mark.

However, Keegan is wary about the Merseysiders’ own exciting young striker, Wayne Rooney, the 16-year-old prodigy who is almost certain to play some part at Maine Road.

Keegan added: “I saw him at first-hand when they knocked our youth side out of the cup last year.

He’s the most exciting talent I have seen in this country for a long, long time – since Michael Owen in fact.

“I can’t say more than that. If you play in the first team at 16 years of age you must be exceptional, and he is.”

Huckerby will be fit for Everton’s visit despite missing training today. Keegan may make some changes however in attack and midfield.

Paulo Wanchope is out until Christmas while fellow striker Jon Macken is still a couple of weeks away from recovering from his own knee problem.