Marouane Chamakh has had to bide his time but the young Moroccan is now regarded as Bordeaux’s principal marksman - and arguably their most prized asset.

Chamakh was the club's top scorer in 2004/05, registering his best return since he signed up with the club’s youth academy in 2000, aged 16. At the same time another striker was arriving at the Stade Chaban-Delmas, albeit a more established one.

Pedro Pauleta was to write his name into Bordeaux legend for his superb three seasons at the club, twice winning the Ligue 1 golden boot, and Chamakh admits he has regarded Portuguese striker as a reference since his arrival in France.

A tall and elegant player with good close control and an impressive understanding of the game, Chamakh may not be as clinical as Pauleta, but is every bit as professional and possesses qualities that his mentor does not. At 1m85, he is strong in the air and works tirelessly for the team, holding up possession and bringing midfielders into the play.

Born in Tonnens, Morocco, Chamakh was a conscientious student in his youth, dividing his time up between the classroom and the football pitch. He first started playing seriously with local team Marmande and it was playing in their colours that Bordeaux scouts noticed the strapping goalscorer.

He jumped at the chance to move to Europe, though insisted on continuing his studies in Bordeaux, perhaps after some ear-bending from his parents, whom he remains very close to.

After a difficult start, he imposed himself in the reserves, with Coach Jean-Louis Garcia installing him as the team’s pivot in attack.

Chamakh rattled goals in virtually every week, and Elie Baup, then Bordeaux Coach, could not help but notice the progress the lean teenager was making. He made his first-team debut against Metz in the Coupe de la Ligue in January 2003 and was promoted to the starting line-up the following week against Grenoble.

Playing alongside Pauleta, Chamakh did not look out of his depth and turned in a superb display. Baup used him regularly for the remainder of the season, mainly when Pauleta and Jean-Claude Darcheville needed a breather.

He was immediately called up to the Moroccan national team and has already attained cult status in his homeland. Part of the side that reached the 2004 African Cup of Nations Final, Chamakh’s popularity in Morocco soared when he netted a last-gasp equaliser against North African rivals Algeria in the quarter-final tie which Morocco went on to win 3-1.

In 2003/04, Chamakh was a regular under Michel Pavon. With Pauleta gone and Darcheville suffering an injury-ravaged campaign, he made 25 appearances, scoring six goals.