And so we’ve arrived at the final entry in the Ready Or Not series. Unless I’ve forgotten someone. In which cases, the chances are that such a distinctly unmemorable player isn’t going to make it. If you missed any, the other reports are:
Thanks to Richard Champion, who saw more than half of Nordtveit’s Nuremberg games, for the following.
How big an impact did Havard Nordtveit make at FC Nuremberg?
To be fair, his impact was modest. Nuremburg’s situation in terms of quality, personnel, and tactics dictated that he play as one of two holding midfielders, which were never allowed - by tactics or lack of possession - to get forward.
Nuremburg, while not laden with an abundance talent, did at the season’s start have a number of decent, competent CB’s and RB’s, such as Andreas Wolf, Dominic Maroh, and Dennis Diekmeier, but had a dearth of central midfielders. Thus, due to his versatility and long-range passing, Nordtveit was often paired with Juri Judt in front of the back four.
Due to him starting nearly every match before their winter break, he was clearly better than whomever they had on the bench, but he rarely stood out, save for a couple of key performances such as at Champions League side VfB Stuttgart.
During the winter break, though, a great many changes occurred at the club. Dieter Hecking replaced Michael Oenning as manager and brought about an aggressive transfer period for the small club. Nuremburg loaned from Bayern Munich the (initially) much-heralded Brazilian CB Breno and German U-21 international DM Andreas Ottl as well as Senegalese international DM Mickaël Tavares from Hamburg. Suffice to say, all three became regular starters for the club pushing Havard to the bench.
In fairnesses to Hecking and Nuremberg, these signings probably helped keep them in the Bundesliga, but also meant that Nordtveit almost never got on the pitch, particularly since a club finishing one position above regulation is almost always throwing on attackers, not defenders, at the end of matches.
What are his main strengths and weaknesses as a player?
Havard was put into a difficult situation playing out of position in a foreign country where he didn’t speak the language, but it is rare that a 19 year-old defender gets as much playing time as he did in a top league. At his home club of FK Haugesund and in the Reserves at Arsenal, Nordtveit exclusively played as a CB. Then during his ill-fated excursion to Salamanca - from which he left early, despite not being able to even play in Reserves matches until Jan. 1 due to conditions of the loan - he was played out of position as a DM. It was due to his distaste for how and how little he was being used, along with tumult internally and with Arsenal that he left. Then during his loan spell at Lillestrom he played a majority of his matches at RB and a minority at CB. I state all of this as context for his time at Nuremberg where he was returned to his less-favored position of DM.
Therefore, it is hard to judge Howie’s time in Germany. To me, he clearly isn’t a midfielder. He lacked confidence, which created uncertainty in whom to mark, when to get forward - which he basically never did - and an overall lack of aggression. When situations arose where he clearly had to provide a tackle or header, he did relatively well, but he often wasn’t assertive enough to put himself into positions to do so. You can tell by looking at him, that if his future/final position is to be in the center of defense, he will have to increase his strength. Also, based on his performances at Nuremberg, a greatly heightened sense of aggression and assertiveness. His strengths are his excellent long-range passing, good height and heading ability, and sense of comfort with the ball at his feet.
What is his best position?
At this point, it is likely right-back or center-back, though in time it will likely be CB. To play as a CB in the Premier League, though, requires a level of strength and aggression he has simply not shown to this point, but his very promising start to this preseason hints at significant progress in these areas.
Which top flight players does he remind you of?
Well, there are not a great deal of top-flight CB’s with good pace, height, and long-range passing with comfort on the ball, yet not an overly aggressive style of play or muscular build, but German international Arne Friedrich comes to mind. Not many may be terribly familiar with him other than his starting performances at CB for Germany’s attractive and largely successful World Cup run this summer, but he has all those attributes and has also started at RB also for the German national side in previous tournaments.
Do you think he could be an Arsenal player?
As an Arsenal supporter and Nordtveit fan, I have to say my opinion was mixed based on his time at Nuremberg. He came to Arsenal with a fair amount of fanfare and expectations and quickly established himself as captain of the Reserves. But one terrible loan in the Spanish second tier, a successful one in the not-much-fancied Norwegian top league and what started as a decent, though hardly superlative, loan in the Bundesliga will have had to been go down as a disappointing spell for the player and Arsenal. It’s hard to know what to think. Yet, to have done all this - as a defender - before turning 20 has to count for something and I believe his early performances this preseason are hopefully revealing his quality and potential. Thus, I’ll say that he has at least a 50:50 chance to be a starter at Arsenal.
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So there we go. My personal opinion is that Nordtveit is absolutely guaranteed to be part of our first-team squad, as we currently have less centre-backs than I have fingers on my right hand. Or my left, for that matter. Still, as ever, I put the question to you:
I was clear about my desire for Sol to stay at Arsenal. His 14 appearances last season contained more guts, determination and spirit than some of the current squad members have ever shown. I never thought he could be a regular season, but the odd fleeting appearance and his mere presence on the training ground could have set a tremendous example.
Sol will feel, however, that his job at Arsenal was done. After leaving under something of a cloud, he foughtback out of his League Two nightmare all the way to the Champions League. Along the way, he went on a journey of personal retribution, as well as winning the respect and admiration of Arsenal fans once more. Sol saved his legacy. And staying on to become an ageing bit-part player may have threatened that.
Campbell’s departure means there can be no two ways about it: Arsene simply has to buy a centre-half. The ‘Defenders’ section on our squad page is giving Portsmouth a run for their money (excuse the inappropriate idiom).
Arsenal took on SC Neusiedl 1919 yesterday, and ran-out 4-0 winners. I must confess I only caught glimpses of the first half, but Wilshere and Frimpong reportedly impressed as Marouane Chamakh scored his first Arsenal goal from the spot. You can see that, as well as other goals from Walcott, JET and Vela courtesy of 101greatgoals here.
Apologies for the lateness of today’s blog - I was out late last night celebrating, among other things, Gunnerblog’s sixth birthday. Thanks to all of you who visit and comment, and I hope you’ll continue to do so. I’m hoping to get things spruced up on the site over the coming weeks and months, so keep an eye out for any changes. If I break the site, you’ll know how/why.
Today we look at Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Sczczesny - probably the most exciting talent at the club whose name I still can’t spell. There’s been hype around him before - his loan spell at Brentford last season attracted plenty of attention - and the BBC produced this helpful little clip to familiarise the uninitiated with his acrobatic antics:
Not satisfied with that, I spoke to a load of Brentford fans from the Griffin Park Grapevine. Here we go:
How big an impact did Wojciech Szczesny make at Brentford?
Huge, he must have earnt us at least 10 points last season. Massive. In my opinion, the best keeper i have seen play for Brentford FC since i’ve been going, 1973, so you can see he has made a huge impact.
Massive, one of the best keepers I’ve seen here, although the impact was probably exaggerated by the fact he replaced a donkey in goal. As everyone says he had a massive impact on the team,and the thing that struck me was that he didn’t mind going to elbow merchants like MK Dons and Wycombe on cold December nights…in fact he seemed to relish the prospect.
Huge. He helped solidify a defence that was a bit wobbly to say the least. I think he was worth at least 9 points to us, possibly more.
What was his best moment at Brentford?
Very difficult to pick one there were so many. You cannot single out one but the numerous saves he has made. When mere mortals wouldn’t have!
Too many to mention but the one that springs to mind is the acrobatic save he made at Norwich from a header, reflexes were incredible. I can’t remember the opposition,but it was a home game not long after he joined us.Someone sent a fierce but wayward shot accross the box that deflected off a defender and was heading straight for the bottom corner at pace.Looked a certain goal…but not with Woj around!He somehow managed to throw himself across goal and claw the ball out…and keep hold of it so the onrushing forward didn’t have a sniff.When asked about it afterwards he said he had been “lucky”…refreshing attitude.
There’s a lot but I think Norwich (A) for me where he made two or three astonishing saves, which can be seen on that YouTube video.
What are his main strengths and weaknesses as a player?
Commands his his box very well and is a superb shot stopper. Doesn’t really have any weaknesses that I saw. He’s quick on the ground, closing down the attacker, he has superb reflexes and i’d take Wojciech on a one on one every time against a forward!
Great reflexes, very commanding of his area. Weaknesses were his distribution. Can be a bit hot-headed at times.Will have to watch his lip with Ref’s like Steve Bennett about.
Strengths: Reflexes; Command of the area and when one-on-one with a striker you always felt he could make the block. Weaknesses: He had one bad game for us, against MK Dons (H), where he mis-read a couple of high balls. I think his kicking probably needs work, although as one of my fellow GPGers noted it is unlikely he’s going to need to hoof the ball 50-60 yards to the ‘big fella up front’ when playing for Arsenal. In truth lack of experience is probably the main weakness.
What is his best position?
Err, scrap that.
Which top flight players does he remind you of?
Peter Schmeichel. None, he is himself, a great prospect for a club like Arsenal.
Fabianski (Ed: I hope he’s joking) Reminds me a bit of Seaman actually…before he turned into a liability.
Petr Cech.
Do you think he could be an Arsenal player?
Yes - I think he is better than the 3 clowns you already have. He should be your No.1.
Only if he gets some more league one experience . In all seriousness I think he definitely will, goalkeepers are at a premium at the moment, especially at Arsenal. He will be an Arsenal player I’m sure but don’t throw him in too early,let him get some experience elsewhere…but if it’s not at Brentford then please don’t loan him to anybody else in this league!
Yes. He probably needs a bit more experience though. Much as I’d love him to come back here for another season I think it might be better for his development if he were loaned either to a Championship team with a bit of a reputation for passing football or to Premiership ’struggler’ like Blackpool. (Although being Blackpool’s keeper this season might be confidence shattering).
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Thanks to BeeHomeSoon, WandererPaul, Westlad, Lostbee and Lokster for providing those answers.
Suffice to say, he sounds a bit awesome. But it’s a big step up from League One to Champions League, and Wojciech is still only twenty. When you answer the following poll, try to put out of your mind the fact that he looks almost certain to have a crack at the number one shirt eventually, and ask yourself this: is he ready now?
The answer could go some way to determining Arsene’s transfer policy this summer.
This summer has been strangely familiar. The season ended with a diminuendo, as the squad struggled under the strain of both injuries and expectation. Arsene was clear about the need for reinforcements:
“Going forward we have done very well but defensively we have been average. When you concede 40 goals you don’t win the title. I want to rectify that.
My transfer policy this summer will be to keep our strengths going forward, add one player, and add more defensive strength to our team.”
And business started well. Marouane Chamakh arrived on a Bosman, and protracted negotiations for Laurent Koscielny ended with the centre-half jetting in on the 7th July.
That was nearly three weeks ago now, and despite Arsene’s return from the World Cup and reunion with his blackberry, there hasn’t been a signing since.
This is no problem in attack, where we’re well stocked. Chamakh’s arrival offsets Eduardo’s departure - in fact, I’d suggest it strengthens us. In Eduardo we had a player still going through a process of rehabilitation. Chamakh is a player arriving at the peak of his career who will relish the opportunity of a move to his preferred league and club. He, Bendtner and Van Persie gives us plenty of depth in the middle, though all three could also put in a shift out wide. On the flanks, Arshavin, Nasri, Walcott, and Eboue provide variety, whilst the sale of Eduardo gives Carlos Vela another (possibly final) chance to make an impact.
Attacking midfield is another area where we’re strong. Most of the players listed above also fall in to that category, along with several others who prefer to penetrate from deep - Abou Diaby, Tomas Rosicky, the currently injured Aaron Ramsey. There was certainly interest in Joe Cole - Arsene can’t resist a bargain - but the deal fell down over the prospective length of Cole’s contract. Liverpool offered him a four year deal, twice what Arsenal were prepared to commit, and Cole headed North.
Cole’s decision opens the door for several young players: Henri Lansbury, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, and, most likely, Jack Wilshere. Tomas Rosicky made 33 appearances last season - this year, I expect him to share that tally with Wilshere. By the end of the campaign, Jack will hope to have leapfrogged the Czech in the queue for first-team places.
Of course, the biggest boost in this part of the pitch is the news that Cesc Fabregas is all but certain to stay. Fabregas will once again be the fulcrum for the side - goalscorer, captain, and creator in chief.
Defensive midfield will be marshalled by Alex Song, with Denilson ready to fill in when Song is absent. I’ve never been convinced by Denilson’s aptitude for a principally defensive role - he lacks the combative nature and positional awareness. Denilson is a pass-and-move player; a disrupter and distributor. I’d prefer Arsene to sign a tougher, more tactically astute model to provide Song with not only back-up but some serious competition. It’s not all about size - at the World Cup the 5′8″ Anthony Annan excelled at the base of Ghana’s midfield. It’s about being committed to becoming a specialist in the role. I’m not sure Denilson fits that bill.
All that said, I don’t see Arsene buying a holding midfielder. Denilson is a pet project of his - in 2007 he declared he would oversee the development of Cesc, Diaby and Denilson in to world class midfielders, and he won’t give up on that ambition, however much the evidence stacks up against the latter pair. Hopefully a youngster like Emmanuel Frimpong can develop in to a genuine rival for the Brazilian’s place in the squad.
You’ll realise I’ve approached the squad from the front - I saw it as getting the easy positions out of the way first. But I can’t avoid confronting the major problems any longer: we’ve arrived at the defence.
A glance at this section on the Arsenal.com squad page makes the problems all too clear:
Granted, you can throw in Emmanuel Eboue as an option at right back, but the cupboard still looks bare. Of the eight players listed, three are left-backs. Sol Campbell appears despite not being under contract with the club - as we speak he’s sunning himself on his honeymoon.
Our full-backs are fine, but the middle looks very light. No-one will shed a tear over Sylvestre’s departure, but I’m amazed that the loss of William Gallas has passed with so little comment. Currently on the books we have Vermaelen, new-boy Koscielny, and Johan Djourou. Of those, only Vermaelen is a reliable known quantity. Arsenal.com are trying to reassure us. Djourou is “ready to step up”, they tell us, failing to mention the likelihood of Djourou injuring himself in the process of stepping anywhere. Koscielny apparently “relishes the physical side of the game”, despite being thinner than Arsene himself and having tiny little arms like a dinosaur.
I don’t want to come down too hard on the new boy before I’ve seen him in competitive action, but the chances of him being immediately ready for the rigours of elite Premier League football seem slim. Nearly as slim as him. People compare his signing to that of Vermaelen, but Vermaelen was playing European football as captain of Ajax and a regular Belgium international. Koscielny is uncapped, and until twelve months ago had never played regularly in the top flight.
Djourou definitely has potential, but relying on a player who has missed a year with injury seems somewhat irresponsible of Arsene. We didn’t immediately throw Rosicky back in, and we sold Eduardo. Why should Djourou be exempt?
Sol Campbell may well elect to stay at the club. I hope he does. His leadership and desire set an example to others. But even though he will be part of the playing staff, I don’t feel his signing should make any impact on the shape of the squad. Yes, he’ll play the odd game, but I view Campbell as a figurehead and a leader - not necessarily from the pitch. He is not capable of playing two games in a week, let alone a prolonged spell across the season.
Havard Nordtveit is likely to be drafted in to provide cover at right-back and centre-half, but there’s still not a single player I deem worthy of partnering Vermaelen in a supposed title-challenging squad. Last season Vermaelen and Gallas formed a fairly effective partnership - most of our most notable collapses occurred when at least one of the pair was missing. To improve on last season, we need a player who can at least match Gallas for pace, positioning, power and good old-fashioned Premier League experience. Djourou, Koscielny, and Campbell all have disparate qualities which might help plug those gaps, but we need a player who can do all of those things, all of the time.
I’d like to name names, but frankly that isn’t my job. There are scouts that Arsenal employ specifically to meet that need, and they’ll do far better than me and my Football Manager search engine. The Daily Mail seems determined to draw a line between us and Everton’s Phil Jagielka - I have doubts about the validity of those rumours, but he’d certainly fit the bill.
My deep fear and suspicion is that signing Campbell will be enough for Arsene. Last summer we noted when Vermaelen arrived that he’d be unlikely to spend €10m on a centre-half and then not play him; Kolo Toure was promptly sold. The same applies to Koscielny, and I expect him to be given the chance to compete with Djourou for a starting place.
Finally, we come to goalkeeper. If there was one position where Arsenal seemed certain to strengthen this summer, it was here. Manuel Almunia’s topsy-turvy season saw him twice dropped from the team, and at the backend of the season he disappeared from the squad entirely. I am, I must admit, a little surprised he’s still here now.
In his absence, Lukasz Fabianski made the erratic Almunia’s goalmouth look like an ocean of calm. Rarely in my time watching Arsenal have I seen such a string of costly mistakes. The only thing reliable about the Pole was his guaranteed gaffe, usually from a corner or set-piece, though not exclusively - like all great clowns, Fabianski has variety to his routine - see mistakes against Porto for evidence.
Beyond that pair are Vito Mannone and Wojciech Szczesny. Mannone played a few games last season at the height of our keeper crisis, and received plaudits when Fulham conspired to kick the ball repeatedly against him when scoring seemed markedly easier. I don’t consider him a serious contender for the number one jersey. Ever.
Szczesny is a little different. His performances at Brentford brought plaudits and promises from Arsene that he’d one day wear the number one shirt. Perhaps he will. But at just 20, surely it’s too soon.
Worryingly, Arsene seems as certain that Fabianski will one day be number one. And unless a signing is made, that could be now. The elder Pole has started both pre-season friendlies, and indications from inside the club are that the manager is seriously toying with the idea of beginning the season with him in the number one jersey. Rather than something more appropriate, like a straightjacket.
We know that Arsene has made some moves to sign a keeper. His faith in Fabianski is & Co is so unwavering that he seemingly wishes only to bring in an experienced keeper to act as a stop-gap for the next year or two - hence his interest in Fulham’s Mark Schwarzer. Schwarzer might not be Peter Schmeichel, but he’s a hell of a lot better than what we’ve got. He’s communicative, athletic, and good for another two years at the top level. If Arsenal were able to find an agreement with Fulham, I’d be delighted. But more importantly, I’d be relieved.
More than any other position at the club, it is goalkeeper where a signing is imperative. A high profile arrival like Igor Akinfeev would be ideal. But I’d take a stop-gap like Schwarzer or David James, who is available on a free transfer. I’d take an experienced head who could give the position some stability and stop the role of Arsenal goalkeeper from becoming what I fear Fabianski could make it - a joke.
It’s absolutely clear what this squad needs: a top level goalkeeper, and a top level centre-back. Arsene cannot be blind to that either. My fear is that he’ll plump for a man who used to be a top class centre-back, and a guy who he believes could one day be a top-class keeper. In essence, a player who if not “over the hill” has certainly passed over its highest point, and a player who is not yet good enough, and may never be.
Jagielka and Schwarzer aren’t huge names, but believe me - they’d give us a better chance than our current options. Arsene has to learn the meaning of compromise - he may have to pay a little more than he’d like, he may have to go for the player second or third on his list, but he must, must strengthen in those positions. Keeping Cesc only to fail to provide him with a fitting defensive platform would be as great a crime as selling him.
This could well be Arsene’s last year. I’d hate for reticence in the transfer market to render it redundant.
He was due to be the missing piece in the jigsaw. For years Arsenal’s attractive approach play had lacked a clinical finish. The signing of Eduardo had seemingly ended Arsenal’s search for a ‘Fox in the box’. How ironic then that Martin Taylor effectively ended Eduardo’s Arsenal career in a manner as emphatic and clinical as the Croatian’s goalscoring prowess.
That, I’m afraid, is the sad truth of it. Eduardo was never the same player after that tackle. He came back and showed flashes of brilliance, and for a time it seemed as if a miraculous recovery was on the cards. But niggling injuries stalled his progress. Not only that, but when through on goal, the moment’s hesitation that was previously so remarkably absent from his game proved costly. Scoring goals had always come naturally to Eduardo. Now, he thought about it. He delayed his finish, he anticipated the keeper’s lunge, he even ducked out of the odd tight spot.
None of this was insurmountable. A run of games might have given him back the confidence he needed. Once the first goal went in, others would surely follow. But Arsenal and Arsene were involved in a title-race. Bedding Eduardo back in was a luxury that we couldn’t afford.
Arsenal had taken Eduardo’s rehabilitation as far as we possibly could. This is a competitive football club, not a clinic. Arsenal did the right thing by Eduardo by sticking with him in his darkest hour - handing him a new contract, and offering him all the support we could until he could stand on his own two feet again. And run. And play the game he loves.
Now is the time for the Crozilian to take matters in to his own hands. He could have stayed in London, but the arrival of Marouane Chamakh has only pushed him further down the pecking order. Eduardo has been frank in his assessment of his own chances. He is 27 years old, and he needs game-time. He’s moving to a Champions League club, closer to his adopted Croatia, where he will be an undisputed star. The fairytale recovery we thought we might see is still possible. We’ll just be watching from a greater distance.
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There is other Arsenal news about, but not masses of it.
“I have spoken with Arshavin about Arsenal and London life. He has only had good things to say about the club and the city. He said some very nice things about me going on to be the best goalkeeper in the world - and that he would like me to reach that goal at Arsenal with him. Juventus have also expressed an interest in me - but Arshavin has sold England to me very well.”
Good job, Andrey. The dwarfy playmaker cites Akinfeev as the best player in the Russian side, and he’s clearly a talent worth getting excited about. Unfortunately, he would cost big money, and I just can’t see Arsene splashing out on a goalkeeper. There is no precedent.
Tomorrow I’ll be bringing you a big overview on that state of play in the transfer market, and don’t forget next week there are still several more in the Ready Or Not series to come. For now though, enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Hello all, and welcome to the latest installment of Ready Or Not - a look at striker Jay Simpson. A couple of pre-season goals against Barnet brought him back in to contention, but having since been left out of the squad for Austria, things look a little bleak for Jay.
Simpson burst on to the scene with a couple of Carling Cup goals against West Brom - a team he went on to join on loan, as he spent half the 08/09 battling relegation from the Premier League.
Last year, he left West Brom but still joined them in The Championship, joining the turbulent scenes at QPR. I spoke to Clive Whittingham from QPR site Loftforwords to see how he got on.
How big an impact did Jay Simpson make at QPR?
Well he was our top scorer with 13 goals, so that’s a considerable impact in its own right, and without those goals we’d have been in deep trouble at the bottom of the league - we flirted with relegation after Christmas as it was. Like the rest of the team he peaked when Jim Magilton was in charge around September/October time when the team was scoring for fun (12 goals in three games in seven days at one point). At that stage he was playing as a lone striker with support from Taarabt, Routledge and Buzsaky which is a pretty awesome line up as Championship attacks go.
Sadly for us Magilton couldn’t stop messing with a winning side, and completely lost the plot whenever we lost, which resulted in a dramatic dip in form, Magilton allegedly headbutting Akos Buzsaky and getting the sack. After that we were never really the same with Oaul Hart’s awful long ball football, Mick Harford’s all round cluelessness and Neil Warnock then trying to steady the ship and keep us up. Simpson scored consistently until Warnock was appointed and then for whatever reason couldn’t hit the target at all.
He didn’t score in his last 16 or 17 matches for us and looked a player very low on confidence by the end of the season. He went through on the keeper in the last match against Newcastle and hit the ball straight at Tim Krul when earlier in the year chances like that were easy for him. In his defence we did flog Routledge in January and he was top of the assists chart, and we were somewhat less successful and attacking once Magilton left - in fact we were in freefall for three months of the season.
What are his main strengths and weaknesses as a player?
Well for two thirds of the season his finishing was spot on, and he was a threat whenever the ball dropped in the penalty area. That waned as the season went on though. He’s not very quick, but his touch is sound and he holds the ball well and brings others into play. Not the bravest.
What is his best position?
He played his best football for us as a lone striker. QPR never really had a partner to play with him last season so I don’t know what he’d be like playing off a target man, although there was a suggestion that that would improve him. Hart and Harford (being idiots) both tried him out wide, as I believe West Brom did the season before, and he’s certainly not a winger by any stretch of the imagination.
Which top flight players does he remind you of?
Hard to say because I just don’t think he’s good enough for the top flight. In height and looks he’s a bit like Agbonlahor, but about half as quick. His hold up and lay game is a bit Kevin Davies like - but nowhere near as good, and he’s not as good in the air. I suppose Martyn Waghorn at Sunderland is the nearest comparison - similar age, on the cusp of the first team, regularly loaned out to lower leagues, not quite clear whether he’s a top end Championship striker or bottom end Premiership player but in both cases I’d suggest the former.
Do you think he could be an Arsenal player?
No. He seems like a nice lad and an honest player, he’s certainly got ability but I’m not convinced he’s good enpough for Arsenal, or the Premiership at all, and at 21 I’m not convinced he will ever become so. The QPR fans are split on whether we’d even want him back, although I’m certainly in the ‘yes please’ camp on that one. He just doesn’t have enough pace to play in the Premiership for me. In the Championship he’d get into double figures most season just through the amount of mistakes and balls dropping in the penalty area, but you don’t get that in the Premiership. I can see him doing reasonably well at somewhere like QPR, Leicester, Swansea, Palace - but not Arsenal.
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There you have it. A fairly clear verdict from Clive - but do you agree?
As a sixteen-year old, creative midfielder Henri Lansbury was one of the most talked about players in the Arsenal academy. However, whilst we’ve got used to seeing youngsters like Mark Randall and Craig Eastmond on the fringes of the first team, Lansbury has spent the majority of his time out on loan. In 2008/09 he spent half the season at Scunthorpe, and last year he spent the entire campaign at Watford.
He was handed a new deal at Arsenal just six months ago, so it’s clear the club are keen to hang on to him - but is that just to sell him for a decent fee, or to make him part of a new-look squad?
Thanks to Watford fan Patrick ‘Lloyd Doyley’ McNicholas for answering the now familiar set of questions.
How big an impact did Henri make at Watford?
Despite being very quiet for the first two or three home games I watched (and as a season ticket holder, I’ve seen all his home matches), I don’t think I’d be alone in saying that, once he found his feet, he was arguably our player of the season behind Tom Cleverley.
It could be said that his assists and goals (most noticeably in his performance of the season v Sheff Wed at home, scoring two and setting up two) were the reason for our survival. Had Malky Mackay not scooped up Lansbury and instead used a youth player in his position, the outcome to the season could have been very different.
What are his main strengths and weaknesses as a player?
He’s undoubtedly a pacey player, with a very good eye when it comes to short/long passing, and scoring key goals. However he can also get a bit ‘cocky’ with his game play, occasionally unnecessarily trying to out-skill an opposing player, which will backfire, or opting to go it alone instead of picking out more suitable passes.
What is his best position?
He was a key midfielder, especially out on the right, though he did have a tendency to sneak into a strikers role for brief periods of the game.
Which top flight player does he remind you of?
I know this sounds very “stereotypical Watford fan”, but he really does remind me of Ashley Young. His quick pace, keen eye and good shot, be it via a set piece or in open play, really brought back memories of the Villa midfielder.
Do you think he could make it at Arsenal?
I’ve only seen a first hand viewing of him at Championship level, and after two failed premiership campaigns as a Watford fan, I can tell you that there is a very big difference between the two leagues. So I can’t promise he’ll be a fundamental midfielder…yet. Give him time and he may be the next Ronaldo, who knows! But judging on his performances against the likes of West Brom and Newcastle for us this year, and his 14-minute Arsenal debut against Fulham, I’d say he is going to emerge as a very good player- be it for Arsenal, or another top flight team.
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So there we have it. Something of a surprising comparison with Ashley Young there, but it’s clear that Lansbury has matured from his scrawnier teenage form in to quite the athlete. With Aaron Ramsey out for another few months (at least), this is as good an opportunity as he’ll have to seize a place in the squad.
“At the start we gave Robin Dennis Bergkamp as a role model and he is growing into that role very well. Just look at the numbers. He is more of a goalscorer than Dennis and I think he has developed his vision and passing well.
Robin respected Dennis and listened to his advice. He arrived when Dennis was already 33, 34 so he accepted to play that kind of master advice [role]. It was not anymore about him [Van Persie] taking his place. He wanted to help him.” Arsene Wenger, 2009
Robin’s old number 11 shirt will be worn by Carlos Vela, who seems set to stay at the club. It’s something of an indictment of Eduardo, set to join Shakhtar, that at this stage Vela is considered a better bet.
The Arsenal.com squad page has had Gallas and Silvestre removed, although Sol Campbell remains amid speculation about an impending move to Sunderland.
Welcome to the second installment of Ready Or Not. Yesterday we took a look at Jay Emmanuel-Thomas - today is the turn of Jack Wilshere.
Fate has handed this blog a bonus - as I sit down to write it I’m digesting both a chicken dhansak and the news that Joe Cole has opted to sign for Liverpool. Of those, only the latter has any relevance - but it’s significant. Arsenal were definitely interested in Cole, but only at the right price - and, crucially, with the right length of contract.
Cole has decided to take the lucrative Liverpool offer, and who can blame him - his four-year deal will earn him almost £20m. For Arsenal, however, it may be a blessing in disguise. Cole and Wilshere are similar players - short, stocky and creative. The former Chelsea man’s absence from the squad will create a spot which Wilshere might just be primed to fill.
Jack spent the first half of last season wrapped up in cotton wool, making the odd Carling Cup appearance and a solitary cameo in the league. In January, he moved to Owen Coyle’s Bolton on loan - and if Coyle gets his way, he’ll be returning this season. Bolton originally deployed him as a drifting left-winger, but he ended the season partnering another youngster with Arsenal in his blood, Fabrice Muamba, in central midfield.
I spoke to boltonboris of The-Wanderer.co.uk to see just how he fared in his time ‘oop north’.
How big an impact did JW make at Bolton?
Not a huge one by any means, but he improved our passing game by always being available for a pass, using his intelligence and his obvious confidence.
What are his main strengths and weaknesses as a player?
He’s confident (as mentioned), he has a great low centre of gravity making him harder to shrug off the ball than you’d expect. He’s got good technique and an eye for a pass. One bad point is his tackling - they obviously don’t practice getting the ball off opponents legally at your training ground. With Arsenal players it’s usually either a horror tackle or a complete miss, and Wilshere’s no exception.
What is his best position?
Middle of a midfield five - not much defensive responsibility - just let him roam, looking for gaps. He’ll keep plugging away without always succeeding.
Which top flight players does he remind you of?
Scholes of yesteryear, popping up all over the place always wanting the ball and making late runs into the box. He’s nowhere near as gifted as Scholes mind, and despite his youth, I can’t see him getting to that standard (no bad thing - Scholes is one of the true greats).
Do you think he could make it at Arsenal?
Definitely - unless he gets back into training and snaps everyone in sight. “I learnt that off Super Kev Davies,” he’ll say. Wenger will be horrified and demand Diaby break his leg immediately.
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Gags aside, it’s clear Jack was well received up at Bolton. I’ve seen Wilshere play a fair few times both for us and Bolton, and I’d actually go further than boltonboris: he does have the potential to reach Scholes’ level. What he needs are the same opportunities that Scholes was afforded. He already has the ability. Could this be Jack’s year?
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*thanks to Tangodancer of the-wanders for the Wilshere/Coyle image.
Hello all and welcome to the first in a new series on Gunnerblog - ‘Ready Or Not’, in which I’ll be getting the lowdown on a few of last season’s loan rangers. This time, I spoke to midnitecaller of Doncaster forum Rovers till I die to find out how Jay Emmanuel-Thomas got on there last season:
How big an impact did JET make at Doncaster?
A good impression, with some ups and downs - on his debut he reportedly turned up for the game having forgotten his boots, and had to rush in to the town centre to get some new ones!
There were times during the season when he frustrated me and I felt like packing him back off to Arsenal, but overall he was a good addition to the squad.
His work ethic needs to improve but he is dynamite on the ball with a good goals to game ratio. The major bonus of having Emmanuel-Thomas in the side is that he’s not afraid to run at defenders or try a few tricks. When they come off, they look great. Occasionally he ends up tripping over his own feet, but he has that self belief which is so important to the progression of a young player.
What are his main strengths and weaknesses as a player?
His main strengths are his trickery and a rocket shot. He also looks like he could be something of a dead-ball wizard, and possesses a long throw like Rory Delap. His weaknesses? He’s still very raw, prone to poor decision making and can be slightly greedy. He needs to track back more - if he could learn the art of distributing the ball at the right time and work a bit harder for the team he could be a real player.
What is his best position?
I think he joined as a striker but played a little on the left for us - I’m not sure what his best position is if indeed he has one. He is the type of player where you don’t give him a position you just tell him to go out and do what he does best.
Which top flight players does he remind you of?
Although JET is very unique in his own style my first impression of him was that he reminded me of our very own Mark Mcammon from a few years back. Out of the current top flight lads I’d have to go for someone mercurial - like Hull’s Geovanni.
Do you think he could be an Arsenal player?
I personally don’t think he’s quite good enough, but the then you never know. Wenger may bring him on leaps and bounds - he certainly has masses of potential. He seems a different case to a lot of players - his natural talent will carry him through; it’s about getting the mentality to match.
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So there we have it - a mixed review for our JET.
I have to say I’ve always rated him and hoped he’d succeed: it’s rare you see a young player with such a potent combination of pure physical gifts and technique. He reminds me very much of Abou Diaby, and like Diaby his greatest challenge will be psychological. The stepovers and laziness that crept in to his game at Doncaster may have been a function of playing alongside footballers who didn’t share his natural talent. He’ll have to cut those out if he’s to have any chance of making it at Arsenal.
. In all seriousness I think he definitely will, goalkeepers are at a premium at the moment, especially at Arsenal.
