Ambitious aims and well-known idols

Arnaud Nordin was subbed on the in 81st minute of the match away to SV Werder last Friday night. The Frenchman’s Bundesliga debut during the 1-0 loss in Bremen may have served as a silver lining for fans of the 05ers, who got to see their side’s new acquisition in action just three days after his transfer announcement. For the player with over 200 Ligue 1 appearances to his name, racked up across spells with first club St. Etienne and previous employers Montpellier, the desire to experience the thrills of German football has existed for some time. “I have always wanted to play in the Bundesliga. I think that this was the right time to make the move, especially since I now have a good deal of experience under my belt,” explained Nordin, who is particularly excited by the style of football and atmosphere seen in the German top flight. “There is a very high level of intensity and every stadium seems to be sold-out every week! I have been following the Bundesliga the closest of any league for a number of years now. It has always been a dream of mine to play in Germany,” reported the Paris-born player during his interview on Tuesday.

Two positive conversations

Nordin tells that his arrival in Mainz was made very easy due to the welcoming nature of both the club and his new teammates: “I feel at home here already with the amazing reception I got from the lads.” Two major factors in his feeling settled after just a week in Mainz are the familiar face of Anthony Caci, who Nordin knows from their time together in the France Olympic squad in 2021, and talks held with Bo Henriksen ahead of his transfer. “The coach is very ambitious – he is a true competitor who wants to win every game. That convinced me to come to Mainz, along with what Anthony Caci told me about the city, the club and the team spirit here,” revealed the 26-year-old regarding his decision. Another influence was the current form of the 05ers, who find themselves sitting sixth in the table with sights set on European qualification.

Good performances in both the Bundesliga and continental competition, a hope for the near future, would do no harm in helping another of Nordin’s dreams become reality. After his call-up to the France squad for the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, the 26-year-old would love to once again feature in the his national colours. He believes his move to Mainz could help him to catch the eye: “I think that my chances have been significantly improved by this transfer, but I know how great the competition to get into the France squad is,” said the player who has made appearances across various youth levels for his home nation. “It is obviously a dream of mine to play for my country, as it is for any footballer.”

“This team is always looking to get the three points”

In Nordin, Mainz have added a two-footed attacking player to their ranks, one that can dribble well and be deployed in any role across the forward line. Nevertheless, the Frenchman does see one particular position as his absolute favourite: “I feel most comfortable playing right wing but I am obviously prepared to do a job wherever the coach sees fit to put me,” declared Nordin concerning his preferred area of the pitch, which is not too dissimilar from that of his childhood footballing idol. “I always looked to Thierry Henry and followed him closely since our respective careers began somewhat alike. I try to base my game these days off Ousmane Dembélé, who I also know personally. I am especially impressed by his two-footedness, dribbling ability and unpredictability on the ball.”

14 Bundesliga matches lie ahead of Nordin and his new club in the current campaign and the 26-year-old has both personal and team targets at the forefront of his mind. “I have only been here a week but it is already clear that the lads are intent on winning every game and bringing the fight to the opponent. This team is always looking to get the three points and I am no different. I want to be out on that pitch as often as possible and I’ll never give anything less than 100%. Our position in the table come the end of the season will prove just how far this mentality can get us.” Nordin will receive his first taste of the MEWA ARENA atmosphere on Saturday afternoon when he and FSV take on FC Ausgburg (kick-off 15:30 CET). He will no doubt be hoping for a win in order to celebrate three points in front his new home supporters for the first time.