Position: Central midfielder
Age: 28
Born: Casablanca (Jan 3, 1977)
Height: 6ft, 2in.
Weight: 12st, 4lbs.
Date signed: July 8, 2004
Signed from: Coventry, £500,000
Contract: June 2008
City debut: v Arsenal H (August 28, 2004)
International honours: Morocco
Former clubs: Raja Casablanca, Coventry.

Season 2004/05 Appearances (max 41): 20 Goals: 2
Norwich City appearances: 20 Goals: 2

Career:
Coventry (01-04): 94 appearances, plus 4 as sub, 1 goal.
Total: 94 appearances, plus 4 as sub, 1 goal.

Had to be patient to get a decent chance of establishing himself in the first team, but definitely made the most of it when it came. The tough-tackling, skilful Moroccan gave the midfield much needed backbone and bite – demonstrated by his crunching tackle on Wayne Rooney which led to one of the goals against Manchester United at Carrow Road – and also uses the ball well once in possession.

Came into his own during the latter stages of the season after his career at Carrow Road had got off to a extremely slow start. Has the ability to use the ball simply and effectively while a biting tackle and a stunning shot also form part of his armoury. Injuries hampered his progress but he was fit to play in early February and wasn't recalled to the starting line-up until April 9. With the benefit of hindsight he should probably have been brought back earlier than that.

Verdict: Expect Safri to be a regular in the City engine-room next season, providing he can stay injury-free.