OGC Nice star Hatem Ben Arfa has said he will be looking to pay tribute to recently deceased legend Johan Cruyff by performing the Dutchman's signature move away to Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes.
The Cruyff Turn has long been the hallmark of one of football's most revolutionary figures, and following the passing away of the Dutch master last week, OGC Nice star Hatem Ben Arfa will be out to pay tribute to the man and the move that have stuck with him since childhood.
"He's the one who taught me about the concept of freedom out on the pitch," said Ben Arfa who, until the end of December was ranked number one in Europe's top leagues for successful dribbles. "Right from when I first saw it, I have loved this feint, which consists of knocking the ball behind your standing leg. As a kid, I even called it the Cruyff Special!
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Although Ben Arfa, 29, was a pre-twinkle in his father's eye when Cruyff first unleashed his signature move - against bewildered Sweden defender Jan Olsson in the 1974 World Cup in Germany - the France international feels an affinity for it and is hoping to pay tribute to the man and the move this weekend.
"I think really the only thing I can do is try to pull one off in our next game - in Paris against PSG," he declared, spicing up what is already an eagerly anticipated clash between two of the league's most entertaining, attacking sides.
Ben Arfa's spectacular dribbling has played a big role in his return to the limelight this season - that and the clinical finishing that has seen him help his club into the upper reaches of the table and stake a claim on a place in Didier Deschamps' France squad for Euro 2016.
