The answer to this question is quite simple. Young player’s talent is only a promise. To become a great master he must have a corresponding character. Younes Belhanda has got both necessary potential and strong will. It has let this guy overcome all difficulties on the way to professional football very confidently…
With family blessing
Belhanda was born in Moroccan family, who moved to France from a town called Taza. He was one of six children, but as his gift was noticeable, it was decided that he would go in for football. “We lived in a small town called Gard, located in the South of France. I was spotted by good teams due to my father and my first coaches in RC Aramonais”, - recalls Belhanda.
He was making headway very quickly. Being 13 Younes had transfer offers from Olympique de Marseille, Olympique Lyonnais, Montpellier HSC and AS Saint-Étienne. As he was already enlisted to Saint-Étienne Academy his sister called and informed that Younes’ mother wouldn’t stand such separation from her son. Thus Belhanda entered Montpellier Academy.
In 2008/09 season Younes Belhanda started playing for the reserve team and Montpellier U-19 which participated in Coupe Gambardella. That season La Paillade won this trophy.
On July 27 2009 Belhanda signed a 3-year professional contract with Montpellier.
Into the battle at once!
In August of 2009 Belhanda, who played as left winger, made his debut in Ligue 1 against PSG (1:1). On September 19 Younes scored his first goal (against Olympique de Marseille). He has memorized that game forever despite the loss 4:2. “I realized that I could withstand Marseile defenders”, - said the young halfback after that match.
On August 19 2010 Belhanda prolonged his contract with Montpellier till 2014.
The following season Montpelier became Coupe de la Ligue runners up. Belhanda made 42 appearances and scored 3 goals.
Recognition and new challenge
With no doubt 2011/12 season was the best one for Belhanda. First of all he started playing as a playmaker. Younes scored 2 goals in 3 first games of the season.
In November of 2011 he became Ligue 1 Player of the Month and in May of 2012 Montpellier won the national championship.
“Belhanda has a good speed and dribble”, - estimated Belhanda ex-Montpellier head coach Rene Girard. “He is a very gifted playmaker who is able to turn the tide of any match” – stated FC Arsenal London manager Arsene Wenger. “It was a great season for Montpellier. Belhanda and Giroud were incredible” – said Real Madrid sporting director Zinedine Zidane.
In 2011/12 season Belhanda became Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year.
As Olivier Giroud signed a contract with Arsenal London, Montpellier started demonstrating less impressive football. Inter Milan, Tottenham Hotspur and Besiktas wanted to sign Belhanda, but their attempts were vain.
Eventually FC Dynamo Kyiv president Ihor Surkis managed to persuade Younes to move to Kyiv. Belhanda is sure that he has made the right choice. “I’m happy to have signed a contract with Dynamo. It is a great team I want to play for. I have a strong desire to win the Ukrainian Premier League and to demonstrate a good play in Europa League”.
Younes Belhanda has whatever is required to live out these dreams.
Oleh Zadernovskyi
* photo by V. Rasner
