Nacr Chadli had scored in each of the Champions League group games against Spurs in 2011-12 and the sturdy winger eventually signed for Tottenham in 2013, having been a top player in the Dutch league the previous season.
With a strength on the ball and the power in his shooting, he became a prized asset for FC Twente, as he could play on either flank and cut inside to shoot at goal. Good when running with the ball, Nacer also had good ability with the dead ball when free-kicks were conceded around the area. Having some through the youth ranks at JS Thier-à-Liège, Standard Liege and then MVV, he showed good talent at an early age. Such was his renown, that when Apeldoorn signed him, they played him under an assumed name (“Kaliffe”) to shield his identity from scouts from other clubs, who they feared would steer him away from their club.
FC Twente were reigning Dutch league champions when they signed Chadli, who went straight into the team and played Champions League football, scoring his first goal in the competition against Spurs at White Hart Lane from a free-kick.
His performances made him
one of the player Spurs identified as a signing in the
summer of 2013 and his versatility would provide cover
on either wing, with the prospect of Gareth Bale leaving
ear-marking Chadli for the role vacated by the Welshman.
A pacy winger, who can play on either side of the pitch
and Nacer has the ability to finish other people's work
or his own, having good dribbling skills.
Nacer played one friendly
for Morocco before deciding he would choose to play for
Belgium in future, as he has dual nationality.