Zidane hailed as Maradona's equal

By John Sinnott

Zidane won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 with France

France midfielder Zinedine Zidane has been put on a par with Argentina legend Diego Maradona by Spurs' French sporting director Damien Comolli.

Frenchman Comolli, who worked with Arsene Wenger at Monaco, watched Zidane play one of his first games when he began his career with Cannes.

"Zidane is one of the best technical players I have ever seen along with Maradona," Comolli told BBC sport.

"Zizou is on a par with Maradona, though an Argentine would disagree."

Comolli also watched Zidane, who will retire after the World Cup, make his France debut in 1994 against the Czech Republic in Bordeaux.

With France trailing 2-0, Zidane came on as a substitute and struck a double.

Zidane went on to help guide France to a World Cup triumph in 1998 and then a Euro 2000 title.

Comolli added: "There is a debate in France as to who is the best ever French player - Michel Platini or Zidane.

"When I was growing up Platini was my idol, but for me Zidane is the best ever French player.

"And that is because he has won more international trophies than Platini."

France play Switzerland in their opening Group G game in Stuttgart on Tuesday while their other group opponents are South Korea and Togo.