Berlin - Hamburger SV coach Kurt Jara
praised the recent performances of the Iranian international striker Mehdi
Mahdavikia in the German Bundesliga, comparing him with football superstars
like England's David Beckham and Portugal's Luis Figo, the daily Hamburger
Morgen Post reported Saturday.
"He (Mahdavikia) certainly does not have to hide himself behind these
players," said Jara, referring to Manchester United's Beckham and Real
Madrid's Figo.
Considering Mahdavikia as the best right winger in the German professional
football league, Jara voiced his concern that the former Pirouzi
(Persepolis) player could be signed up by other top European teams,
following the expiration of Mahdavikia's contract in the summer of 2004.
The soft-spoken 25-year-old striker is currently leading the Bundesliga
assist list with 11 and has played a decisive role in his team's recent
string of victories.
One of this season's surprises, Hamburg is at the sixth place with 33 points
out of 21 games and has a realistic chance of earning a European champions
league berth.