Ed. Note - I don’t always agree with Andez, though I often do. The members don’t always agree with him either. But you have to say this - he always offers a thoughtful opinion and original content, not just a “hey did you see this story (link).” I encourage more members to put forth their opinions as Andez does…
The new player-loaning system (clubs are allowed to loan in and out players within the Premiership) will benefit Arsenal’s cause a great deal in my opinion. Jermaine Pennant is a good example.
To loan out a young player to a Premiership side, it solves our problem on whether we should be giving the youngsters more first team playing chances yet at the same time sustains the competitive level of the team.
After a season’s loan at Leeds, Pennant should have gained his share of experience playing against the top level opponents, and got toughened up both technically and physically. Judging on his preseason performance, I have a feeling this is going to be the season Pennant is finally going to make a break through at Arsenal. Pennant now looks physically stronger, to go along with his undoubtly skills and pace, he is ready.
Will Wenger be handing him the first team chance? Don’t bet against it. A lot of people have been accusing Wenger of not trusting English players. Personally, I don’t believe AW has anything against the English. All he wants are some players who’re affordable in the transfer market, and being techincally solid. Technically, Pennant is one of the best among the young English talents. And AW wouldn’t have kept hold of him if Pennant is not in his plan. We have signed two wingers in Reyes and van Persie, but both are left footers. We need someone to back Ljungberg up on the right. With the departure of Parlour, I would be suprised if AW still left Pennant out of the side.
And if Pennant gets his chance, trust me, he’s going to shine.
Another player I believe will make an immediate impact is the Dutch youngster van Persie. During the preseason matches so far, AW has been playing van Persie up front, while letting Reyes shifted back to his natural position - left winger. Which I believe it’s the right move.
Reyes is technically gifted, but I’m not convinced he could play up front to partner Henry. Thierry’s successful transformation from winger to striker had a lot to do with his physical gift. He’s quick and powerful. As an out and out striker, you not only need skills, you need a physical strength to back off the tightly marked defenders as well. Reyes at the moment is too small and physically not strong enough to hold off his marker. He does not look comfortable at all playing with his back facing the opposition goal. And worst of all, both Henry and Reyes like to operate from deep, prefer to get the ball and take on the defenders. But as a pair of striking partnership, someone has to stay in the box.
The youngster van Persie, on the other hand, looks more capable of transforming himself from a winger to a striker. First of all, he looks stronger than Reyes, and definitely taller. And he could actually HEAD the ball as well (something new for a Gunner these days!). Don’t be suprised if van Persie been put straight into action partnering Henry up front comes the start of the new season. Who knows? He may turn out to be yet another Arsene’s bargain buy comes the end of the season!
12 Responses to “Two Young Guns to Watch”
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July 27th, 2004 at 2:34 pm
I’ve been wondering how Wenger will play Reyes, Van Persie, Pennant, Henry, Pires, and Ljungberg. Obviously he will rotate between them, but I assumed Van Persie would be a left footed right winger who can cut inside like Pires does on the Left, with Reyes playing up front alongside Henry and Pennant and Ljungberg coming in as cover.
I agree with you about Pennant. He always had the talent but needed to mature a bit to play for Arsenal and he think he’s done that. There will be plenty of games for him.
This idea of interchangeable winger/strikers and players who have the skills to play out wide and track back when necessary but also finish and get into the box and play with pace is what I think the rest of the league is sleeping on regarding Arsenal. So far we may not have made many huge name signings but I think we will catch a few teams off guard when they see Van Persie, Reyes and Pennant.
July 27th, 2004 at 3:18 pm
I don’t really forsee a problem for the Arsenal on the offense. We don’t have trouble scoring goals. Haven’t had that problem for a while!! We are scoring scoring Arsenal after all!
I think the younger players will blend in nicely and will be very hungry. Pennant Aliadaire VanPersie and Reyes… Thats alot of talented young offensive firepower!
I guess I’d be a bit more worried about the back… and cover for the likes of Lauren. Clichy has proven his mettle… if we sign Treblesi that would be fantastic.
Now what do we do about SOL going to Juventus?
Geez… its seems that rumor has been out there for a few days now… and he hasn’t even said anything to deny the rumors. Perhaps we should get rid of him??? and he has that “injury”… or is that because he is leaving? hmmmm…
Well…. I’m just gonna give Sol the benefit of the doubt… unlike the masses harrasing Paddy!!!
July 27th, 2004 at 3:25 pm
I don’t know how I could read something about PV “not going anywhere” and then something about an agreement between he and Real all in the span of a few minutes.
Stagg, you may want to reserve any benefits of the doubt for just a few minutes longer. For those of us that still give 2 S**ts:
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/index?cc=5901
Enough.
July 27th, 2004 at 3:32 pm
Actually, I had already seen that Scotty.
I simply don’t believe that the Spanish paper “Marca” is any more valid than “the Sun”. I also read Wenger stating that he is not going anywhere. Seems kinda silly for him to travel to Austria to train with the club while he is negotiating terms with Real Madrid. What if he got injured during training?!!
I will believe it all when the i’s are dotted, the t’s crossed and they show Paddy holding up his new Madrid shirt in Madrid.
If that occurs, as a supporter I’d be very dissapointed, and our CL dreams would be dented.
But like most, I am tired of the silly season and all the BS the media puts out there… can wait for the kickoff of the Charity Shield… my NEW Kit to arrive, and to view the end of season video!!
(Not to mention playing fantasyleague…!!)
July 27th, 2004 at 3:49 pm
Just saw your other post.
I hear ya…we can’t even get a decent “thread” going here without this crap filtering in. So much else to be excited about without this ass-limbo.
Just discovered that Marca means “pleasure reading” and boasts that they are one of the papers with the least amount of pages…”Better for Ad Space!”
Doesn’t sound like they’re in business for getting the whole story.
July 27th, 2004 at 5:04 pm
I think Reyes will convince a lot of people this season. Time will tell.
July 28th, 2004 at 3:04 am
What about Senderos? Can’t wait to see him playing since people kept saying how much his game resembles Adam’s. And Cesc? Seems to be another player with flair. We have so many attacking midfielders but our current formation only allow 2 slot for that, as AW tends to play more defensive midfielder at the center.Of course that’s unless you are thinking of playing Reyes, Ljunberg, or van Persie upfront. But come on, we can’t really say we don’t have problem scoring. When it comes to tight games where oppositions kept tight defending last season, we were in trouble. Of course we can still rely on our deadly left wing attacks, but you can’t expect Henry, Pires and Cole to pull off miracle every time right? We need a clever natural striker, preferably with good header. I always like Jeffer’s instinct, but he never seems to convince AW. Really hope van Persie can be the man we are looking for. Someone who can score from set pieces. By the way, anyone watching COPA? I’ve been admiring Tevez for so long, he seems to grow fast. What do you think of him in Arsenal shirt?
July 28th, 2004 at 5:22 am
Your observations on Reyes are now somewhat outdated. That may have been true last season, but if you read AW’s comments in Austria; ” Reyes has now developed into a strong player, he is able to hold off his marker and keep the ball. His positional awareness is qiute good.” You would have nothing to worry about. Also lookout for Franny Jeffers, he is going to shock a lot of people. I agree about Van Persie, he seems to make scoring look easy!
July 28th, 2004 at 9:47 am
The COPA, while being called the Latin America Reserve Team tournament, has showcased A LOT of talent. I was lucky to catch almost the whole thing on Univision. Tevez is a monster. I had read up on him in Four Four Two last year and thought the same thing you did about seeing him come our way. ManU’s Gabriel Heinze looked great, too, but really blew it when he sent his shot from the spot into Beckham country.
As a UNAM Puma fan, I love watching Marioni (great header), Fonseca and Lozano (played for Mexico in Peru). Would love to see The Arsenal continue to look West, especially if Edu decides he wants to play in Barcelona.
July 28th, 2004 at 10:33 am
I am saying: “WE DON’T HAVE A PROBLEM SCORING” !!!!
We led the league in goals.
If Arsenal have problem scoring, then every team in England does…
July 28th, 2004 at 1:46 pm
We still need to be a better threat in the air. Sometimes the only way to get in the box is upstairs, and the only way to get in the net is with the head.
See: Robert Pires, pulling us level against Chlesea. Was anyone else absolutely shocked?
July 28th, 2004 at 3:56 pm
Scotty, the new boy van Persie may help us to solve this problem (heading). If he does, remember, u heard from me first!