Former Newcastle United star Hatem Ben Arfa is rediscovering his best form in France.
After a difficult 2019/20 campaign that saw him go without a club for the first half of the season before seeing a short-term spell with Real Valladolid cut short by the coronavirus, Ben Arfa is rebuilding his career at Bordeaux.
The 33-year-old moved back to his homeland last month and has already made quite the impression at the Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux.
Ben Arfa has started all five games for his new side so far and videos of the former France international were circulating on social media after an impressive performance against Nimes Olympique yielded an assist.
And he was back in the headlines this weekend as his stunning solo goal secured a 1-0 win over his former club Rennes.
Ben Arfa picked the ball up on the edge of the area and a clever first touch allowed him to make space for the ball on his left foot. He then skipped past three defenders in one movement before unleashing a fierce drive into the bottom corner.
His exploits saw him named in L'Equipe's Ligue 1 Team of the Week and after some difficult years, the former Newcastle favourite seems to be enjoying his football again under the tutelage of Girondins manager Jean-Louis Gasset.
Ben Arfa, of course, spent four-and-a-half seasons at Newcastle and he was part of a Magpies side that finished fifth in the Premier League and reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
His trickery and propensity to score a wonder goal saw him quickly become a favourite among the Toon Army and there are still some fans that would love to see him return to the club.
His relationship with former United boss Alan Pardew fizzled out, though, and after a loan spell at Hull City with current Newcastle boss Steve Bruce ended badly, Ben Arfa found himself without a club for the first half of 2015.
A stunning season with French side Nice rekindled his career, though, and he joined French champions PSG in the summer of 2016. He spent two difficult seasons in the French capital and after falling out with manager Unai Emery, he joined Rennes in 2018.
His one season at Roazhon Park saw Ben Arfa win the Coupe de France at PSG's expense and he is now keen for more success with Bordeaux after a troubled 2019/20 season.
