Clive Mason/Getty Images Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Arsenal Transfers: Wenger Must Find the Balance Between Youth and Experience
Clive Mason/Getty Images The transfer window came at the right time for the Gunners this summer. After tailing off completely toward the end of the season with Arsenal ending their season in shambles, the fans needed something positive to immerse their minds in. That is exactly what the transfer window provides us.
Arsenal, like several other top teams, have been linked with several players ranging from different leagues and the fans have been immersed in the whirlwind of speculation the transfer window brings.
While Liverpool have already made a big money signing by capturing Jordan Henderson from Sunderland and with Manchester United looking poised to seal deals for Ashley Young, Phil Jones and David de Gea, Arsenal have been fairly inactive in the window as of now with Charlton youngster Carl Jenkinson the only major signing of the transfer window so far.
With Arsene Wenger promising a busy and active summer transfer period the rumor mill has been in overdrive with several players being linked with the Gunners. Some of these include Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Phil Jones, Gary Cahill and Gervinho, just to name a few.
After announcing the signing of Jenkinson, Arsene Wenger has come under criticism for signing another youngster, when many felt that they required an experienced player and not another unproven signing.
These people have questioned the logic behind signing another youngster when the pressing need for Arsenal was signing some experienced players who would add quality and at the same time provide some steel and spine to the Arsenal team that has looked lost in tough situations.
Can the Gunners capture this talented winger?
Clive Rose/Getty Images
The critics who have criticized Wenger for signing youngsters couldn’t have been more off the mark. There is definitely no doubt that Wenger needs to dip into the cash reserves if the Gunners are to challenge for trophies next season, let alone win it. There have been defensive lapses at crucial junctures with the Gunners’ inability to deal with set-pieces an obvious flaw.
There have also been several instances when Arsenal’s attack has let them down this season. All these areas require attention no doubt, but signing youngsters do no harm but can instead ensure a bright future for the club in the long run, be it is under Wenger or any other manager.
Signing youngsters will do the Gunners no harm as long as Wenger does not see them as the solution for Arsenal’s problem. These youngsters should act as backup, a fall back plan if the Gunners are faced with an injury crisis.
Having youngsters in the team who have been with the club for some time and have gained experience at the club means that a few years down the line when a need arises for a player to fill any particular position, you always have a ready-made replacement within the club.
Arsene Wenger has embarked on an ambitious youth project that has focused on integrating youngsters into the first team from an early stage and one that has prioritized the maximum use of young players as much as possible.
Wenger has shown an over-reliance on players who are either inexperienced, too young or both. So this summer fans wanted Wenger to act logical and smartly in the transfer window and sign the players who can actually improve the Gunners the very next season and not just players who can flourish later or fulfill their potential in a few years time.
The problem with the youth project is that there has been no harmony between signing youngsters and keeping onto established stars. Wenger focused all his efforts on creating a talented squad with vast potential for the future that he missed a key ingredient, the experience and the quality it brings.
United showed the benefits of having players like Giggs in the squad. This Arsenal has the talent but lacks the experience and spine and so the club must sign players who add this to the team.
But that does not mean that the Gunners shouldn’t sign youth. What Wenger needs to do is strike the perfect chord between these talented and upcoming youngsters and established and experienced campaigners who can help the Gunners end their trophy drought next season itself.
Arsenal needs to lay a strong foundation to build on and at the same time has to win trophies so as to ensure that they can still attract the players that can them trophies. That platform will be achieved by signing both talented youngsters and top notch performers.
Arsenal might have collapsed in spectacular fashion towards the end of the season and that has left the Gunners enduring another disappointing season, one that can be sadly termed as a disaster. But for large parts of the season until March, it looked anything but. The Gunners were going strong in four competitions and their collapse has left them in ruins.
But for large parts of the season the Gunners looked strong and we have realized that the Gunners do have quality to mount a title challenge but with some strengthening in the right areas with quality players, they could very well go onto lift the trophy.
This season Wenger has to win a trophy or could face intense backlash from the frustrated supporters. Wenger has realized this and he should act accordingly.
This summer is the one that could very well decide the fate of Arsenal as a top club in the footballing landscape and so the signings need to be made.
Arsenal fans need not worry if Arsenal sign players like Wickham, Oxlade-Chamberlain. These talented players are just further examples of players who can strengthen the ongoing policy at the Emirates.
The worry arises if Arsenal only signs such players. As long as Wenger is willing to sign the likes of Cahill, Samba, Gervinho or Benzema this summer, then Arsenal fans can look forward to another exciting season next season as the Gunners fight it out for top honors and hopefully clinch trophies.
Arsenal, like several other top teams, have been linked with several players ranging from different leagues and the fans have been immersed in the whirlwind of speculation the transfer window brings.
While Liverpool have already made a big money signing by capturing Jordan Henderson from Sunderland and with Manchester United looking poised to seal deals for Ashley Young, Phil Jones and David de Gea, Arsenal have been fairly inactive in the window as of now with Charlton youngster Carl Jenkinson the only major signing of the transfer window so far.
With Arsene Wenger promising a busy and active summer transfer period the rumor mill has been in overdrive with several players being linked with the Gunners. Some of these include Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Phil Jones, Gary Cahill and Gervinho, just to name a few.
After announcing the signing of Jenkinson, Arsene Wenger has come under criticism for signing another youngster, when many felt that they required an experienced player and not another unproven signing.
These people have questioned the logic behind signing another youngster when the pressing need for Arsenal was signing some experienced players who would add quality and at the same time provide some steel and spine to the Arsenal team that has looked lost in tough situations.
Can the Gunners capture this talented winger? Clive Rose/Getty Images
The critics who have criticized Wenger for signing youngsters couldn’t have been more off the mark. There is definitely no doubt that Wenger needs to dip into the cash reserves if the Gunners are to challenge for trophies next season, let alone win it. There have been defensive lapses at crucial junctures with the Gunners’ inability to deal with set-pieces an obvious flaw.
There have also been several instances when Arsenal’s attack has let them down this season. All these areas require attention no doubt, but signing youngsters do no harm but can instead ensure a bright future for the club in the long run, be it is under Wenger or any other manager.
Signing youngsters will do the Gunners no harm as long as Wenger does not see them as the solution for Arsenal’s problem. These youngsters should act as backup, a fall back plan if the Gunners are faced with an injury crisis.
Having youngsters in the team who have been with the club for some time and have gained experience at the club means that a few years down the line when a need arises for a player to fill any particular position, you always have a ready-made replacement within the club.
Arsene Wenger has embarked on an ambitious youth project that has focused on integrating youngsters into the first team from an early stage and one that has prioritized the maximum use of young players as much as possible.
Wenger has shown an over-reliance on players who are either inexperienced, too young or both. So this summer fans wanted Wenger to act logical and smartly in the transfer window and sign the players who can actually improve the Gunners the very next season and not just players who can flourish later or fulfill their potential in a few years time.
The problem with the youth project is that there has been no harmony between signing youngsters and keeping onto established stars. Wenger focused all his efforts on creating a talented squad with vast potential for the future that he missed a key ingredient, the experience and the quality it brings.
United showed the benefits of having players like Giggs in the squad. This Arsenal has the talent but lacks the experience and spine and so the club must sign players who add this to the team.
But that does not mean that the Gunners shouldn’t sign youth. What Wenger needs to do is strike the perfect chord between these talented and upcoming youngsters and established and experienced campaigners who can help the Gunners end their trophy drought next season itself.
Arsenal needs to lay a strong foundation to build on and at the same time has to win trophies so as to ensure that they can still attract the players that can them trophies. That platform will be achieved by signing both talented youngsters and top notch performers.
Arsenal might have collapsed in spectacular fashion towards the end of the season and that has left the Gunners enduring another disappointing season, one that can be sadly termed as a disaster. But for large parts of the season until March, it looked anything but. The Gunners were going strong in four competitions and their collapse has left them in ruins.
But for large parts of the season the Gunners looked strong and we have realized that the Gunners do have quality to mount a title challenge but with some strengthening in the right areas with quality players, they could very well go onto lift the trophy.
This season Wenger has to win a trophy or could face intense backlash from the frustrated supporters. Wenger has realized this and he should act accordingly.
This summer is the one that could very well decide the fate of Arsenal as a top club in the footballing landscape and so the signings need to be made.
Arsenal fans need not worry if Arsenal sign players like Wickham, Oxlade-Chamberlain. These talented players are just further examples of players who can strengthen the ongoing policy at the Emirates.
The worry arises if Arsenal only signs such players. As long as Wenger is willing to sign the likes of Cahill, Samba, Gervinho or Benzema this summer, then Arsenal fans can look forward to another exciting season next season as the Gunners fight it out for top honors and hopefully clinch trophies.
Arsenal Transfer Prospects: Could £18 Million Juan Mata Be Wenger's Saviour?
Michael Steele/Getty Images Arsene Wenger was destined to secure a surprise yet high-calibre signing. The Arsenal manager was also destined to alleviate his routine intelligent spending theory after the Gunners' dismal conclusion to 2010/2011 ensured a sixth successive season without silverware.
The need for success has greatly intensified for the North London giants ensuring Wenger vowing to implement changes into his youthful squad. The Arsenal board has granted the Frenchman with an increased transfer budget with definite departures also set to increase spending money.
However, nothing promising or positive was emerging from numerous rumours with the main focus on the disgruntled Samir Nasri and captain Cesc Fabregas. But it appears the Arsenal manager may have taken his first step into greatly strengthening his side's title credentials for 2010/2011.
According to the Daily Mail, Wenger has made an £18 million bid for highly rated Valencia winger Juan Mata. With either Samir Nasri or Cesc Fabregas destined to depart, the Gunners' attack is set to lose a considerable amount of solidity and calibre. Of course, it will still possess immense speed and flow but there is a need for a new, quality attacking presence.
Mata can provide just that. The 23-year-old is a fast, efficient attacker who devastates defences with his immense combination of speed, strength and composure. Wenger is breaking a club record should the transfer transpire. The Spaniard will overtake Andrei Arshavin's 2009 £15 million transfer from Russian giants Zenit Saint Petersburg as the most expensive Arsenal signing.
The Gunners have a tendency to lack an efficiency in attack. So often last season, world football witnessed performances where Wenger's men were able to boss and boast possession but failed to provide the final conquer, whether it came from the wing or through the middle.
With Mata able to cover both positions alongside providing a lethal cross and a genuine impact in front of goal, the Spain international, who helped win the 2010 World Cup, is an effective signing for the Gunners.
Mata secured 41 appearances and nine goals for Valencia during 2010/2011 but previous seasons had commanded 14 goals respectively. An experienced presence at both UEFA Champions League and international level, the former Real Madrid youth could be a saviour at the Emirates.
However, Wenger sill requires a quality centre half to eradicate the ongoing defensive woes, particularly aerially, whilst there is also a high demand and desire for a powerful, tenacious midfielder. Nonetheless, this is a positive step for Arsenal and it is believed Juan Mata is tempted by a potential switch to North London.
The need for success has greatly intensified for the North London giants ensuring Wenger vowing to implement changes into his youthful squad. The Arsenal board has granted the Frenchman with an increased transfer budget with definite departures also set to increase spending money.
However, nothing promising or positive was emerging from numerous rumours with the main focus on the disgruntled Samir Nasri and captain Cesc Fabregas. But it appears the Arsenal manager may have taken his first step into greatly strengthening his side's title credentials for 2010/2011.
According to the Daily Mail, Wenger has made an £18 million bid for highly rated Valencia winger Juan Mata. With either Samir Nasri or Cesc Fabregas destined to depart, the Gunners' attack is set to lose a considerable amount of solidity and calibre. Of course, it will still possess immense speed and flow but there is a need for a new, quality attacking presence.
Mata can provide just that. The 23-year-old is a fast, efficient attacker who devastates defences with his immense combination of speed, strength and composure. Wenger is breaking a club record should the transfer transpire. The Spaniard will overtake Andrei Arshavin's 2009 £15 million transfer from Russian giants Zenit Saint Petersburg as the most expensive Arsenal signing.
The Gunners have a tendency to lack an efficiency in attack. So often last season, world football witnessed performances where Wenger's men were able to boss and boast possession but failed to provide the final conquer, whether it came from the wing or through the middle.
With Mata able to cover both positions alongside providing a lethal cross and a genuine impact in front of goal, the Spain international, who helped win the 2010 World Cup, is an effective signing for the Gunners.
Mata secured 41 appearances and nine goals for Valencia during 2010/2011 but previous seasons had commanded 14 goals respectively. An experienced presence at both UEFA Champions League and international level, the former Real Madrid youth could be a saviour at the Emirates.
However, Wenger sill requires a quality centre half to eradicate the ongoing defensive woes, particularly aerially, whilst there is also a high demand and desire for a powerful, tenacious midfielder. Nonetheless, this is a positive step for Arsenal and it is believed Juan Mata is tempted by a potential switch to North London.
Arsenal Transfer Prospects: Should Wenger Consider a Move for Mark Schwarzer?
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images What! A keeper? I am sure that several Arsenal fans think that signing a keeper would be a huge mistake, as it would hamper the rapid development of Wojciech Szczesny, who is widely seen as the future of Arsenal’s goalkeeping position for at least the next decade.
Even I echo these sentiments and wrote an article stating why the Gunners should stick with Vito Mannone, Lukasz Fabianski and Wojciech Szczesny and shouldn’t splash the cash on a keeper. Even now, I believe in those sentiments, but nevertheless feel the Gunners should go out and sign Mark Schwarzer, Fulham’s hugely experienced keeper who was widely linked to the Gunners in the summer of 2010 when Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski continuously found new ways to embarrass themselves.
In 2010, Arsenal were in desperate need to sign a goalkeeper after Almunia and Fabianski cost the Gunners dearly with a series of blunders that undid all the hard work at the start of the season, leaving the Gunners ruing another missed chance. So in the summer of 2010, many felt it was imperative that Wenger signs an experienced goalkeeper who can provide strength and stability to the team and add leadership to the team.
Many identified Mark Schwarzer as the solution to Arsenal’s goalkeeping crisis, and he was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates, but a move failed to materialize and the Gunners were stuck with Almunia and Fabianski for another season.
But this season, Arsenal season was very different with the previous season in regard with the goalkeeping crisis. While Almunia was his usual bumbling self, Szczesny and Fabianski were solid whenever they were goalkeeping, with the latter hardly making a mistake, which was a huge contrast from the 2009-10 season where all he did was make mistake.
But despite the solid performances of the duo, I feel that signing Schwarzer would be a great move in the long run, especially in regards to the careers of Fabianski and Szczesny.
Schwarzer is right now 38 years old, and despite reaching the fag end of his career, he has hardly played for any of the world’s top clubs. Right now, despite Arsenal’s trophy drought, they are still considered to be one of the world’s best, and Schwarzer would be excited at the prospect of playing for Arsenal.
One of the reasons why Arsenal fans have felt that Arsenal shouldn’t sign a keeper is because they feel that signing a keeper who is experienced would hinder the development of Szczesny and Fabianski with the prospect of losing the youngster, something Arsenal fans would rather not have.
But despite this signing Schwarzer I feel would not hamper the development of both the players but will only further it. How? At 38, there is no need to play the Australian week in and week out. While he maybe a regular starter for Fulham, he will understand that Arsenal is no Fulham, and if Arsene Wenger plays his cards properly, he can tempt the Australian to sign for the Gunners despite the Gunners not having the lure of more playing time.
The key to doing that would be to offer the right role to Schwarzer. Wenger should look to sign Schwarzer in not just a playing role but in a coaching cum playing role.
The 41-year-old veteran was signed by the Gunners as back up during the 2010-11 season but it was to a short term contract, and his contract with the club has since expired. But despite the imminent departure of Manuel Almunia, the Gunners are in no need to fill the numbers in the goalkeeping department.
But Schwarzer’s presence in the dressing room can have a great impact on the progress of both Fabianski and Szczesny.
With 661 games under his belt, he would easily become the team’s most experienced player, and his experience will come in handy.
While Szczesny was solid throughout the season, his game is far from perfect, and there are several areas that still need working on. His distribution is poor, something which has affected the team, especially when trying to hold onto a lead. Last season, I noticed that he is often extremely quick to rush from the line, a tactic he used to great effort against Barcelona. But this approach can land you in trouble on certain occasions, and that proved to be the case against Tottenham, as he conceded a penalty with a lunge on Aaron Lennon.
Michael Regan/Getty Images He is currently a raw diamond that requires work to be done, and the interaction with an experienced campaigner like Schwarzer can only reap rich rewards for the player. Szczesny mentioned during last season that working with Lehmann was extremely helpful, and working with Schwarzer will only prove to be better as the Australian is still active.
Even Fabianski, who redeemed himself last season, can learn a lot from the Australian and can look to work on his handling and judgment, something which has proved to be his Achilles heel.
But at the same time it is vital that the Polish duo or at least one of them, whoever proves to be better, gets more playing time when compared to Schwarzer. While learning from the experienced Australian is one thing, it is also vital that they play more regularly and equip themselves better.
But in such a situation, why would Schwarzer want to move to the Emirates stadium? Schwarzer might be tempted to move to Arsenal if Wenger offers him a lucrative deal with the future promise of a coaching role at Arsenal or a player cum coaching role next season itself. Arsene Wenger is a respected man in the footballing community, and Schwarzer would enjoy the prospect of working with one of the top coaches of the past decade.
Also, his experience could come in handy for the club which has been lacking an experienced player in the ranks. At the age of 38, he would command an extremely modest fee, and signing him would hardly affect the capture of any other player who has been linked with the Gunners.
While not signing him wouldn’t be a disaster, signing him would be a bold move from Wenger, one that I feel would reap rich rewards.
Both Fabianski and Szczesny are extremely talented players who have bright futures ahead of them at Arsenal, and signing Schwarzer would only help the two of them become better goalkeepers, and if Schwarzer does indeed come to Arsenal then, I think it would be a great move for all clubs involved.
Even I echo these sentiments and wrote an article stating why the Gunners should stick with Vito Mannone, Lukasz Fabianski and Wojciech Szczesny and shouldn’t splash the cash on a keeper. Even now, I believe in those sentiments, but nevertheless feel the Gunners should go out and sign Mark Schwarzer, Fulham’s hugely experienced keeper who was widely linked to the Gunners in the summer of 2010 when Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski continuously found new ways to embarrass themselves.
In 2010, Arsenal were in desperate need to sign a goalkeeper after Almunia and Fabianski cost the Gunners dearly with a series of blunders that undid all the hard work at the start of the season, leaving the Gunners ruing another missed chance. So in the summer of 2010, many felt it was imperative that Wenger signs an experienced goalkeeper who can provide strength and stability to the team and add leadership to the team.
Many identified Mark Schwarzer as the solution to Arsenal’s goalkeeping crisis, and he was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates, but a move failed to materialize and the Gunners were stuck with Almunia and Fabianski for another season.
But this season, Arsenal season was very different with the previous season in regard with the goalkeeping crisis. While Almunia was his usual bumbling self, Szczesny and Fabianski were solid whenever they were goalkeeping, with the latter hardly making a mistake, which was a huge contrast from the 2009-10 season where all he did was make mistake.
The Polish duo was brilliant, and together, they seemed to have solved the crisis the Gunners had in regards to the goalkeeping position.
But despite the solid performances of the duo, I feel that signing Schwarzer would be a great move in the long run, especially in regards to the careers of Fabianski and Szczesny.
Schwarzer is right now 38 years old, and despite reaching the fag end of his career, he has hardly played for any of the world’s top clubs. Right now, despite Arsenal’s trophy drought, they are still considered to be one of the world’s best, and Schwarzer would be excited at the prospect of playing for Arsenal.
One of the reasons why Arsenal fans have felt that Arsenal shouldn’t sign a keeper is because they feel that signing a keeper who is experienced would hinder the development of Szczesny and Fabianski with the prospect of losing the youngster, something Arsenal fans would rather not have.
But despite this signing Schwarzer I feel would not hamper the development of both the players but will only further it. How? At 38, there is no need to play the Australian week in and week out. While he maybe a regular starter for Fulham, he will understand that Arsenal is no Fulham, and if Arsene Wenger plays his cards properly, he can tempt the Australian to sign for the Gunners despite the Gunners not having the lure of more playing time.
The key to doing that would be to offer the right role to Schwarzer. Wenger should look to sign Schwarzer in not just a playing role but in a coaching cum playing role.
The 41-year-old veteran was signed by the Gunners as back up during the 2010-11 season but it was to a short term contract, and his contract with the club has since expired. But despite the imminent departure of Manuel Almunia, the Gunners are in no need to fill the numbers in the goalkeeping department.
But Schwarzer’s presence in the dressing room can have a great impact on the progress of both Fabianski and Szczesny.
With 661 games under his belt, he would easily become the team’s most experienced player, and his experience will come in handy.
While Szczesny was solid throughout the season, his game is far from perfect, and there are several areas that still need working on. His distribution is poor, something which has affected the team, especially when trying to hold onto a lead. Last season, I noticed that he is often extremely quick to rush from the line, a tactic he used to great effort against Barcelona. But this approach can land you in trouble on certain occasions, and that proved to be the case against Tottenham, as he conceded a penalty with a lunge on Aaron Lennon.
Michael Regan/Getty Images Even Fabianski, who redeemed himself last season, can learn a lot from the Australian and can look to work on his handling and judgment, something which has proved to be his Achilles heel.
But at the same time it is vital that the Polish duo or at least one of them, whoever proves to be better, gets more playing time when compared to Schwarzer. While learning from the experienced Australian is one thing, it is also vital that they play more regularly and equip themselves better.
But in such a situation, why would Schwarzer want to move to the Emirates stadium? Schwarzer might be tempted to move to Arsenal if Wenger offers him a lucrative deal with the future promise of a coaching role at Arsenal or a player cum coaching role next season itself. Arsene Wenger is a respected man in the footballing community, and Schwarzer would enjoy the prospect of working with one of the top coaches of the past decade.
Also, his experience could come in handy for the club which has been lacking an experienced player in the ranks. At the age of 38, he would command an extremely modest fee, and signing him would hardly affect the capture of any other player who has been linked with the Gunners.
While not signing him wouldn’t be a disaster, signing him would be a bold move from Wenger, one that I feel would reap rich rewards.
Both Fabianski and Szczesny are extremely talented players who have bright futures ahead of them at Arsenal, and signing Schwarzer would only help the two of them become better goalkeepers, and if Schwarzer does indeed come to Arsenal then, I think it would be a great move for all clubs involved.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)