Ready Or Not: Henri Lansbury
889 comments July 21st, 2010
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 fanâ€, 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.
An impressive performance in today’s friendly with Sturm Graz could make all the difference.
