New signing Jose Reyes won’t help Arsenal… this year.
Seems everyone is pretty excited about the arrival of the young Spaniard, me too. But let’s take a sober look at the situation.
Since Arsene Wenger came to Highbury he’s made some shrewd buys. In fact, he’s probably the best in the business at this. Henry, Ljungberg, Lauren, Toure, Pires. These were not household names when they got here. Now these guys are superstars.
But Wenger has also brought in some guys at a high price and/or with high expectations. Wiltord (full disclosure, I don’t think he’s a bust) and Jeffers come to mind.
You’ll notice that the second group hasn’t done as well as the first. Now here comes Reyes, our record signing, and people are clearing spaces in the trophy cabinet.
So just so I’m sure I understand this - you all think that a 20-year old from a different country, who doesn’t speak the language, who has never played with his new teammates, has never played in this league, is just going to slide right in and start contributing.
Arsenal will win trophies this season based on the players we started the season with. If Reyes can step in for a Carling Cup match, or perhaps spell Pires for the last 15 minutes against Blackburn then he’s done all we can really ask for this season.
I have very high hopes for our newest Gunner. If Wenger felt he was worth getting, hey, that should be good enough for all of us. I just hope he’s given time to bed in, just like Arsenal fans gave our other stars a chance.
7 Responses to “Reyes won’t help Arsenal…”
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January 29th, 2004 at 11:14 pm
I hope he does a little more than that that Rick. Maybe he could umm…tear Celta Vigo apart? He has been playing against them several times a season for the past couple of years. And if we get drawn with Real Madrid, then hopefully he can help us thrash them 4-1 like he did with Sevilla earlier this season.
I don’t expect him to come in and be our #2 goalscorer, but he has the speed, skill, and vision to make an immediate impact.
I wonder what his long term position will be? I’m guessing he’ll be starting alongside Henry upfront next year.
January 30th, 2004 at 12:17 am
I agree with you Rick, to a point. We’ve been doing pretty great on four fronts with the players we have, and don’t want to upset that. Add to that the newness of being out of Spain for the first time in his life, and throwing Reyes to the lions isn’t the best idea. However, AW is a smart man, and will ease the kid in slowly. I predict a late 2nd half substitution on Sunday - as long as the Arse have taken care of business by that point - so Reyes’ debut will be in front of the Highbury faithful.
I can see Reyes starting on Tuesday at Boro, then on the subs bench for the two Chelski matches. That said, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him start against Celta Vigo. After that, who knows?
Arsene knows. (”Arsene Knows” phrase used without the permission of Dan Winkler
Thanks, Dan! )
January 30th, 2004 at 1:25 pm
I think he’ll help us NOW!
If Arsene plays him… he’ll score goals…
just getting great vibes about this one.
Let’s hope we march him out there in the late 2nd half v. Man City!
January 30th, 2004 at 1:56 pm
Maybe that should be our new poll. Will he or won’t he make a difference, or something along those lines.
January 30th, 2004 at 4:10 pm
I’m mixed. The pace and phsyical nature of the PL wil take a lot to get used. The inclement weather compared to Spain will also be a big factor. We’ll have to wait and see how he does after a few appearances. We may have no choice come April and May but to throw him to the wolves and see if he will eat or be eaten.
February 12th, 2004 at 11:14 am
I think Reyes might make a difference in the Champions League, especially against Celta Vigo. He might click right in during those games. He will need to time to adjust to the Premiership, so I agree, we’ll not see him anywhere near his best until maybe the last 3 or 4 games. He has a lot to learn, just like everyone else did. Moving to England is different to moving to any other country in Europe. The game is so much faster and more physcial.
February 12th, 2004 at 11:15 am
I think Reyes might make a difference in the Champions League, especially against Celta Vigo. He might click right in during those games. He will need to time to adjust to the Premiership, so I agree, we’ll not see him anywhere near his best until maybe the last 3 or 4 games. He has a lot to learn, just like everyone else did. Moving to England is different to moving to any other country in Europe. The game is so much faster and more physcial.