World Class? I Did Not See It!
Sep 4th, 2007 by 'holic
“I have not seen a number of what you might call world class players. World class prices maybe but not world class players.”
With those words Arsene Wenger has explained in the clearest possible terms why we did not see perhaps as much activity in the transfer window as we may have hoped for.
I know I was not alone in hoping for a couple of extra signings prior to the deadline last Friday, but were there any ‘world class’ wingers or defenders available at sensible prices who we missed out on?
“I am not scared to spend money. If it’s for a player I feel who is what I need, of course I will do it. But [the number of] really world class players are really small. And then you have to get to a level of players who are better than you have already.”
Once again Wenger is keen to assert that money is available, should he require it. Why do some people find that so difficult to grasp? The implication is also clear. We will not risk alienating those players we have by spending large on those who do not bring greater proven ability to the squad.
I’ll happily eat my slice of humble pie if this squad continues to reel in the points and rack up Champions League triumphs. They are displaying a sense of togetherness, a common determination, and producing results even though not everybody has yet found their best form.
The rest of the interview on Arsenal.com gives ‘Le Boss’ the opportunity to expand on his desire to make stars out of the young talent at his disposal. What a truly unique football man he is. Let us hope the contract news he has promised us shortly is the signing of at least a three year extension. I will happily raise a glass to that.
2 Responses to “World Class? I Did Not See It!”
Arsene has been in good form in recent interviews.
There is a strange sort of balance to the team with four good choices at right back (Hoyte, Eboue, Sagna, and Flamini) and several good choices for central midfield, but no players who would primarily describe themselves as wide midfielders.
Eboue; Walcott, Eduardo (arguably forwards); and Rosicky, Hleb, and Denilson (arguably central midfielders) have played there this season, with Rosicky and Hleb appearing to be first choice. They’ve all done reasonably well. I hope they’re embracing the role, and not moaning to themselves about being played out of position.
Rosicky is moving up the form chart, and I predict he will hit a good patch and clear up any questions about left midfield. Hleb has a start there and Eduardo has played well there, so left midfield is nearly settled, barring injuries or a surprising drop in form.
Right midfield is less settled. If this position can become a reliable source of excellence in the way that the positions occupied by Cesc and Kolo are, then I’d be more confident about Arsenal mounting a title challenge. There appear to be four leading contenders: Hleb, Eboue, Walcott, and Denilson. I can’t tell tell which of them wants the position the most. A rotation system can work, and Walcott and Denilson each have an assist from this position, but we’d like to see more goals originating from right midfield as the season progresses.
I did not want a world class signing for the 1st team, coz the 1st choice starting 11 looks very good with a lot of quality. So I understand Wenger’s perspective and even support it.
My only concern with this squad was a lack of cover in a couple of positions IF struck by injury. Someone who will be willing to be 3rd or 4th choice at a club. I am still a little concerned by it, but now the transfer window is closed, and we should focus on performances on the field now. Oh and yes, and keep our fingers crossed regarding injuries.