Max Zico

Max "Shampoo" Zico (born 28 March 1992) is a English central midfielder who plays for the La Liga club Valencia. Zico started his career as a trainee with Arsenal but was signed by Valencia in September 2005, aged just 13 years. He did not feature much in his first five seasons for Valencia, but following injuries to key midfielders in the 2007-08 season, his playing time increased. Before long, he had established himself as one of Valencia's key playmakers. He went on to break several of the club's records, earning a reputation as a technically gifted player. In international football, the Englishman's national career began when he represented England at Under-17 level. As a result of his club performances, he was called up to the Under-21 European squad in 2008 but due to injuries had to replaced by Pedro Leon (Real Valladolid).
Club Career
Early Years
Zico was born in London, England to Steven Zico, who runs a property company, and Suzanne Matthews, the owner of a pastry company. Zico has supported Arsenal since childhood and went to his first match when he was nine months old with his grandfather. It was at Arsenal where Zico began his club football career. Initially, he was played as a volante (defensive midfielder), yet he was also a prolific scorer, sometimes scoring more than 30 goals in a season for the club's youth teams. However, he did not manage to play a first-team game at Highbury.
Juventus
During a Nike tournament playing against Juventus, Zico managed to set up 3 goals and scoring a long range free kick which lead rumors of Juventus wanting to land the teenager. Milan, Chelsea and even Arsenal were rumored to want him back. The teenager denied reports of leaving Valencia but admitted he'd one day like to be back in London which lead to more speculation. Arsenal hosted Valencia in the Emirates Cup of 2008 tournament and the youngster who was previously listed in the squad was sent back home to Spain after rumors he met up with Arsenal representatives. Goal.com reported that Zico had signed for Juventus in a deal worth £9 million. Juventus chose not to deny the claim and fans started to have Zico shirts printed out.
Style Of Play
Originally brought to Valencia as a youth to slowly develop via the Spanish Cup, Zico was unexpectedly deployed as Valencia's starting central midfielder following injuries to fellow midfielders David Albelda, Raul Baraja and Fernandes during the 2008-09 season. Zico functions mostly as a playmaker and his main asset is his passing range. As one of the most coveted young talents in the game today, he has been described as being a vital part of Valencia future, bringing vision, creativity and selflessness to Valencia's intricate passing game, and displaying maturity that belies his age.
Zico has stated in interviews that while Baraja served as his role model and mentor, he styles his game after his childhood hero Zidane. In that sense he is of a different mould from his Valencia predecessors who play in the same position, preferring skill over strength.

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