We all thought it might be a short-term thing, till he is physically ready to move up top and lead the line. But I think he might be better suited to being our long term answer on the right wing. I mean just look at the options we have up front - Ade [24] Robin [25] Eddie [25] Vela [19] Bendtner [20] and it is possible Wilshere [16] could have a future there, not to mention the other up and comes like Afobe. Darting runs off the wing like Freddie, he will get tonnes of goals, and like Overmars his pace [when he gets to use it 100%} will be a fantastic weapon. Obviously he is still a work in progress, and would need to track back more if he wanted to make it his own, so what do people think?
[quote]I like us having someone who will attack the full backs and force them backwards, rather than come inside all the time like Hleb/Rosicky do/did.[/quote]
At times that restricted us yeah... but it would have helped if Hleb could shoot. Long term we have two players out wide aged 21 and 19, that in theory could give us the same options and goals that Pires/Freddie gave us, so we have the best of both worlds. They can still both improve so much, in 2/3 years we could have something very very special on both wings.
Overmars had the security of Vieira and Petit to allow him to go forward and although he did come back it was'nt that important. Theo can do the going forward bit but requires a bit more insurance in the middle give him the freedom that he could really exploit.
[quote]Overmars had the security of Vieira and Petit to allow him to go forward and although he did come back it was'nt that important. Theo can do the going forward bit but requires a bit more insurance in the middle give him the freedom that he could really exploit.[/quote]
Thing is he is attacking with the same freedom say Overmars did, which is why we have looked a bit light in the middle at times. But that's another point altogether, and hopefully soon enough someone will have established themselves in the holding role, or have achieved a decent balance between the two central midfielders.
[quote]Overmars had the security of Vieira and Petit to allow him to go forward and although he did come back it was'nt that important. Theo can do the going forward bit but requires a bit more insurance in the middle give him the freedom that he could really exploit[/quote]
Agree, there needs to be at least 1 in the middle that holds their position, and we don't have that yet. Obviously Theo and Nasri will need to get back too, often the FBs had 2 to look after against United with Theo/Nasri ambling back.
I made this point about Theo at the start of the season, how he could easily model himself on Overmars who was an excellent winger, had great pace and scored from good/important goals for us and was also more than capable of being played upfront.
I think the only response i got at the time was someone asking if Theo kicked with the other foot like Overmars did.
Nasri and Walcott aged 22/19 ideally we should be retaining each of those for at least 5-8 years but then we've Jack Wilshire and Fran coming along as well - it really seems a bright future just wonder if we have the patience to bring them all through - we are always demanding proven internationals and established stars.
[quote]we are always demanding proven internationals and established stars[/quote]
We need a mixture I reckon, an established DM, with Cesc who is already established is fine to assist the relatively inexperienced Theo/Nasri on either side. I think the inexperience of Denilson alongside them means we are caught out of position too often at the moment.
[quote]I think the inexperience of Denilson alongside them means we are caught out of position too often at the moment.[/quote]
True. The midfield is very young and it has looked it at times. That is what I'm referring too when I bang on about Cesc leading the midfield, he needs too because of the inexperienced players around him.
Bri yeah it is interesting to see what happens... we have so many options, you look at a player like Merida... he has stacks of potential but even if he fulfils it... where will he slot in? I'm happy to see the kids given their chance... but as TW said there needs to be some balance. On paper we barely need to spend much money over the next 5 years, just the odd position we are short in [so CM at the moment] and maybe the odd squad player but that is it. We are close to the realisation of the Wenger method I think.
[quote]We need a mixture I reckon, an established DM, with Cesc who is already established is fine to assist the relatively inexperienced Theo/Nasri on either side. I think the inexperience of Denilson alongside them means we are caught out of position too often at the moment.[/quote]
I fully agree but you know thats not the majority thinking- alot of people where crying out for a Ribery or David Villa type of signing rather than the obviously hugely potenial of Vela or Nasri.
I think we had signed Torsten Frings, Barry or Alsonos or even retained Gilberto we'd be in a great position squad wise (tho i think we should have kept Traore or Hoyte for cover). Liverpool's signing of Gary MacAlister is the prime example of a signing we needed. Someone with experience and skills but old enough not to get in the way of the development of the kids - look how it gave time for Stevie Me to come on.
[quote]I think a top defensive midfielder, a tall leader CB (Vidic style) and a top goalie would make us the best team in England if not Europe.[/quote]
I am optimistic about a Gallas/Silvestre partnership short term, with Djourou eventually replacing one of them when he gets his chance. I think we have four good centre backs, just need the right chemistry now.
Fabianski will be world class in time. We just need to wait for him to mature, until then Almunia is a steady goalkeeper.
Agree about the DM. Have to see how Denilson progresses though, because I don't think Arsene will drop him... he is playing too well.
[quote]I think a top defensive midfielder, a tall leader CB (Vidic style) and a top goalie would make us the best team in England if not Europe.[/quote]
i just think last years squad plus this years signings and youth and we'd be unstoppable! in terms of depth and quality we'd have a squad to rival chelsa and ManU.
Even just this team with Flamini and Jens would be unstoppable imo.
