Loaning out kids: it’s the future…
Add comment February 1st, 2008
Arsenal yesterday loaned out a couple of their kids. They’re hoping they’ll come back more mature and experienced.
How long is it until the most affluent families follow suit, lending their children for six month spells to families lower down the social pecking order? The erudite kiddies help boost the loan family’s social standing, and then return to their home family, ready to challenge for a place at the dining table.
Mark Randall has joined Burnley, whilst Kieran Gibbs finds himself playing under former Arsenal trainee Glenn Roeder at Norwich. The pair, who are both 18, are highly thought of, and will benefit from a spell of fairly regular football. Randall in particular could be one to watch – he has a good eye for a pass and decent vision.
William Gallas, Bacary Sagna, Abou Diaby, and Mathieu Flamini have all been fairly regular members of the France squad this season. Yet, inexplicably, Gael Clichy had thus far failed to win a call-up. Until yesterday. Although Patrice Evra and Eric Abidal are undoubtedly good full-backs, Clichy has been in the form of his life, and can match them both every step down that left flank. A well deserved reward for some outstanding performances.
Today’s press conference should see a few interesting tidbits from Arsene, but we already know that Tomas Rosicky, Johan Djourou and Robin van Persie will all still be unavailable for the trip to Manchester City on Saturday.
Rosicky and Van Persie are injured. Do I even need to both reporting things like that?
