As an Arsenal fan, I think we should consider purchasing Papa Bouba Diop. Papa Bouba Diop wants Champions League football and I believe he is right for the Arsenal system. He is basically saying, come and get me and he wants to be in London. He is a good fit for Arsenal. We need to think about the future. Real Madrid have been making overtures at Cesc and I believe they (Real Madrid) will be successful in acquiring Fabregas in about three years. Cesc will eventually return home to Spain, it is a question of when he wants to leave( does Cesc wait until age 22 or age 25). We cannot bury our heads in the sand and ignore this. It will happen.
Gilberto is older and has about two years at playing competitively at the Premiership level. Diaby and Denilson are coming along and they will be the future in another two years, and at that time Cesc Fabregas will more than likely depart to Spain.
Arsenal needs a larger/physical team and Papa Bouba Diop is part of the missing puzzle. I am happy that Gallas is out for the next 3 weeks. Senderos will get better now that he has a chance to receive more playing time. We needed height in the back. It took Tony Adams about 8 years to become world class. On Sunday their were two crosses into the Arsenal box that a taller and competent central back would have covered. Height matters at the central back position. We should not pretend it does not.
We need an eye to the future. It is important to consider the premiership season as trench warfare; it is a battle of attrition. ManUtd won the premiership last year because they did not face any major injuries until March 2007. Chelsea (Robben and Joe Cole), Liverpool, and Arsenal all had major players out with injuries. Currently, look at what has happened to ManUtd. They have a major player out with injuries and it has affected their performance. Mourinho has learned that he needs 3 players for each position. Chelsea dropped the ball last year because of injuries. We at Arsenal need to have a deep bench.
The squad we have now is inadequate.
David, the Arsenal fan
62 Responses to “Papa Bouba Diop to strenghten the central midfield & back?”
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August 21st, 2007 at 9:43 am
Not gonna happen. Maybe if Gilberto leaves, yes, otherwise I can’t see that happening. I agree that he will improve us though.
As for Gallas, I read that he is out till October, so that’s a really bad news. Maybe a new CB will come, we should wait and see.
August 21st, 2007 at 9:45 am
Papa Diop is a big big guy but is 28-29 I think and while he is a monster in the middle of the pitch has a love affair with injuries and hasn’t played consistent football for quite a while. While he may help us short term and definitely in the air I can’t but help and wish that Diaby gets better, fitter and stronger sooner than later. Once this happens a lot of our set piece and “steel” problems will be solved.
As for Sendy it’s no secret that I have a soft spot for the big guy .. I dunno if it is misplaced, these next 5 weeks should be good indication of the same. I hope he does well..there’s no reason why he cannot. 3 players per position sounds great and maybe right as well — but Arsenal cant afford it.
August 21st, 2007 at 9:51 am
While I agree having some muscle will help in our midfield, but NOT Papa Diop. Simple fact is - if a player is GOOD enough, he will be linked to tone of clubs. Diop did, a couple seasons ago. Since then, I never heard he’s linked to anyone.
In order to cut it with Arsenal, size matters, but more important is skills and technic.
And I really don’t think we should worry about WHEN Cesc will be leaving. those soft of things nobody can control. The only thing I am sure is - as long as AW is here, he will not want to let Cesc goes. So the only way Cesc will be leaving is to do a “Cole”, a “Reyes”, a “Anelka”, to sulk his way out of Emirates.
There have been so much hype suggesting Arsenal is a “selling club”. But in truth, the majority of the KEY players we sold were all past their PRIME.
Of all the departed KEY players, only Anelka and Cole left when they were at their prime.
AW is not a fool, he would not want to let go of a talented player he believe still have plenty to offer to the club.
The way I see it - if Arsenal will go on and win something within the next 2 or 3 seasons, he will be staying.
Lastly, I have to stress it again, we are supporting ARSENAL. Not Chelsea, not Real Madrid. If you ask me, I think it would be perfect if we can have 4 top class players in each position. Only question is - how is it POSSIBLE?
Chelsea can have 10 players in each position whenver Roman feels like it. But again, they are Chelsea. We are Arsenal. At Arsenal, we don’t do things this way. And we cannot afford to do things this way anyway.
August 21st, 2007 at 9:59 am
Are we being linked to Diop? I didn’t see anything.
By the way, why do we need another CM? Even though it wouldn’t be atypical of Wenger to go and sign one.
ManU are being linked to Martins. I hope Fergie remains adamant and doesn’t sign a striker.
August 21st, 2007 at 10:05 am
I can’t see AW buying anyone who is currently playing in England — whether it’s because of cost, playing style, whatever. I think pundits (and fans) like to speculate about Premiership players because we’re more familiar with them, but I can’t recall the last established English player (aside from the Gallas-Cole swap, which was a unique case) that he purchased from another Premiership club. In fact, who was the last one — Sol? Every time I hear speculation about Anelka, Martins, Petersen, etc., I just assume the pundits are looking for something to talk about.
August 21st, 2007 at 10:08 am
they r also linked to Berbertov and Anelka. I hope they wont’ sign Berbertov. That would be a sceniro i fear most. Berbertov has a slow start, perhaps defenders have figured out how to stop him. but he’s still a QUALITY player. should he join Man U, giving the supply he will get from Tevez, Ronaldo the likes, Man U will be difficult to stop.
we r linked to Cudicini. That makes sense. Though I believe in Jens. At 33, Cudicini is a perfect signing to replace Jens, if not this season, next season. A very good ‘keeper, and a most-wasted talent on the Chelsea bench. he should have left 2 years ago.
August 21st, 2007 at 10:09 am
100% agree, Jim@.
August 21st, 2007 at 10:23 am
Forget Diop, he is 29 and the biggest team he has played for is Fulham - doesn’t that tell you something? He can’t even get in the first team there.
By the way, Gallas will be out until October earliest. Unfortunately, it hasn’t taken long for my concerns to come to fruition - we are stuck with Senderos at the back for 4-6 weeks. If Wenger does nothing in the transfer market and the team starts to suffer from Senderos usual nightmare performances then the manager really does deserves a heavy dose of criticism.
August 21st, 2007 at 10:33 am
Diop is not the same Diop that bossed Vieira in the 2002 World Cup. He looks much slower and old. Sure he’s a big guy but there’s nothing about him that says he’s special anymore. Besides, we’re deep at CM. Diaby is more of a threat than Diop at this point.
Personally, I’d rather see Diouf here before Diop as Diouf is an exceptional talent. He can play wide or up front and everybody respects his skills and he can truly make a play from nothing.
Just like I said the other day, we’d be lucky if Gallas is only out for three weeks. Now it looks like he’s out for at least twice that time. Those groin injuries are “bad newz” like Mike Vick. (Yeah, I know it’s a bad joke but it’s more a damned shame with all his natural ability)
August 21st, 2007 at 10:38 am
Boys, I don’t normally don’t even talk about Senderos anymore but we might be in luck as we may not have too many teams coming up that will be able to genuinely expose Senderos. I’ll need to check the schedule again to be sure.
August 21st, 2007 at 10:43 am
Gilberto might play a few games in defence again. When he comes back, I wonder if Kolo will keep the armband or will it revert back to Gilberto.
Speaking of Gilberto, if we can get $6 mil from Juventus, I almost think it would be worth it. Then use the money, plus a lot more, to get a true winger.
August 21st, 2007 at 10:47 am
We are linked with Cudicini?? What about Almunia and Fabianski?
August 21st, 2007 at 11:01 am
SC Jonathan, the problem is that even if Arsenal gets $6M for Gilberto, Arsene would probably not spend it. He still hasn’t spent all the money from the sales of Henry, Llungberg, Muamba, and Larson. He is claiming that there are no players he is interested in, but hopefully that’s a smokescreen.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:40 am
yes nipuna, saw it from ArsenalWorld. Almunia is a indefinite backup. Fabianski is for the future. Even the Cudicini rumor turns out to be just a rumor. Next season I believe we will have a new ‘keeper, probably around the age of 30 as well. I think that’s the best age for a keeper.
August 21st, 2007 at 12:22 pm
I understand and appreciate the interests everyone has in bettering the squad on, but why do people continue to post things along the lines of “I think we should consider purchasing…” like anyone on here is a member of the Arsenal Board? Or that Peter Hill-Wood or Arsene Wenger is looking here for guidance?
August 21st, 2007 at 12:22 pm
“I think I have a naive team. They are naive because they are pure and they are clean. We don’t have divers, we don’t have violent people.”
Jose Mourinho on his clean-living Chelsea boys, following their dodgy penalty against Liverpool.
Wonder how the Liverpool fans feel of Jose’s “ANGELS”?
—————————————————————————————————————
“How old is he, 36, 37? Still a top footballer, isn’t he?”
Jamie Redknapp on Kanu, who’s just turned 31.
Told you nobody knows f*ck all in this game.
————————————————————————————————————–
“If Sven keeps on like this he’ll be the next England manager!”
Gary Lineker on MOTD after Man City went top.
Who said Lineker is not a funny guy?!
———————————————————————————————————
August 21st, 2007 at 12:31 pm
Papa will NEVER happen. We were looking at him for a bit after Vieira left and he was much better back then.
Prolonging of Gallas’ recovery is a big problem for us. If he comes back in October, that means he won’t be at his best until November…..and that could be an issue.
Wenger will not buy any defensive players now. If we get any one (which I doubt), it will be an attacking MF to plug the hole left with departure of Reyes/Freddie.
August 21st, 2007 at 12:39 pm
“I understand and appreciate the interests everyone has in bettering the squad on, but why do people continue to post things along the lines of “I think we should consider purchasing…” like anyone on here is a member of the Arsenal Board? Or that Peter Hill-Wood or Arsene Wenger is looking here for guidance?”
Er, because it’s an Arsenal fan site. It’s generally the idea to discuss tactics and transfers etc. Although judging by your comment on the previous topic any debate that goes beyond the obvious- Gallas injury, Lehmann mistake- is a bit beyond you.
August 21st, 2007 at 1:10 pm
hey guys, first of what promises to be many smart, incisive, relevant posts (and that’s being modest
height issue:
kolo 6′0, gallas 5′11
terry 6′2, carvalho 6′0
rio 6′2, vidic 6′1
carragher 6′1, agger 6′2
(based on height data on soccernet)
as you can see, i dont think height is such a big issue compared to the other top 4 teams, who are generally considered to be stronger at center back than our gunners. 2 or 3 inches might make a difference in specific situations, but i dont think we’re better with senderos (who is 6′3) replacing gallas, you need a pair of tough tackling, well positioned, strong players who are good with their heads, and i think kolo and gallas form a formidable pair, as long as they get the chance to play together and establish their partnership.
so, no need to buy second tier replacements. i do think senderos will be better this season that in the past 2 years and if he does not cut it (even though AW is convinced he will, if not he would have loaned him out instead of djourou), why not give a chance at the back to alex song!!! (wait wait wait, hear me out!) he was already used as a central defender in the preseason and he will have a tough time getting opportunities in the middle of the park, as he is behind gilberto, flamini, diaby and denilson for a spot (cesc is a given). same thing happened years ago with kolo and look how it turned out! give song a chance at the back if senderos blows, he is more than competent defensively with great speed, that’s all im saying!
alright guys, never discount arsenal, much less doubt Wenger. he will NEVER overpay and the market for top players right now is just ridiculous. his 3-year youth plan is starting to pay off and come may im sure we’ll see the results.
3-0 to the arsenal! hahaha
August 21st, 2007 at 2:01 pm
“I believe it is over for Italy,” Gallas told L’Equipe.
“You will not see me again until October. It is a bad blow, it is always difficult to accept, but now I have to rest.”
I think that Gallas was talking about the French team and that he wouldn’t see them until October. Of course, he will have to be back playing for Arsenal before then so it still is possible he will be back after the international break in September.
August 21st, 2007 at 3:08 pm
fesoco-
if those stats are right i am in shock because we are so much poorer in the air than either of those teams. you think its down to coaching on set plays? i’d like to see a statistic about (+/-) goals off set pieces last year for the top teams. i’d be shocked if we werent the worst and have often thought we could close the gap significantly just by improving that stat.
August 21st, 2007 at 3:35 pm
hey coach,
those stats are from espn soccernet, i guess they obtain that info from the premier league or the clubs, the arsenal website does not list them and i could only verify them against wikipedia entries, which not always provide the most accurate info since anybody can change them (rio is listed at 6′5, vidic 6′2 on wikipedia for example). point is that our problems with set pieces and corners (which are evident just by watching the games consistently, even if i havent been able to find specific stats about that) is not merely due to height, as many people think. that would be the easiest explanation.
i think you may have a point with the coaching aspect. AW is clearly offense-oriented and Pat Rice was a right back and we dont seem to have a problem with full backs. the biggest question i have is why AW has not asked Tony Adams to come back and coach. what the hell is he doing at pompey when we clearly need his coaching and mentoring??? i still hope he will come back and coach sooner rather than later. anybody else think the same?
August 21st, 2007 at 4:18 pm
why are we listing height for CBs when are poor play in the air is set pieces… i.e…. the rest of the team marking … not just Kolo and Gallas..
i say a talented winger is in need… never have replaced Reyes or Freddie.. i don’t see Eboue playing an entire season injury free or Thomas
August 21st, 2007 at 4:20 pm
and what happened to all that Luka Modric talk?
August 21st, 2007 at 4:26 pm
Modric is not a winger, he is more like Rosicky, but then again, Wenger likes to convert them to the wing. Luka as I said is very much like Tomas, he has a good vision, he is a great passer and likes to shoot the ball and is very good at it too. So he is just like our Czech. The problem is, he is cup-tied in the CL, plus I don’t believe Dinamo would want to lose their two best players in in the same transfer window. I think he will stay there at least until January.
August 21st, 2007 at 4:28 pm
Also, I agree with you that defending set-pieces is a team effort, it’s not only Kolo and Gallas’s job.
August 21st, 2007 at 4:29 pm
@fesoco
How do you know Wenger hasn’t asked Adams to come back? Maybe he said no. Besides, Steve Bould is the defensive coach and you won’t get much better than him.
You can be the greatest coach in the world, but you can’t polish a turd like Stepanovs, Senderos, etc. It’s like saying why can’t Aliadiere be coached until he is as good as Henry?? Coaching only gets you so far, more important is that you have to find the right players to fit into the system - Arsenal don’t have the right centre-backs at the moment or enough.
August 21st, 2007 at 4:31 pm
Have you guys seen the “Le Challenge”? Our players are trying to hit the post from the center of the pitch. It’s very interesting. The worst taker was Song, and the best was Almunia. Gallas looks like a real captain and it seems everyone respects him too.
August 21st, 2007 at 4:38 pm
“You can be the greatest coach in the world, but you can’t polish a turd like Stepanovs, Senderos, etc. It’s like saying why can’t Aliadiere be coached until he is as good as Henry?? Coaching only gets you so far, more important is that you have to find the right players to fit into the system - Arsenal don’t have the right centre-backs at the moment or enough.”
True, to a certain extent. You cannot coach what Henry or Bergkamp had but you can coach defending and tackling much easier. You can teach positioning and marking. Of course, you can’t coach that ability to be in the right place at the right time that players like Deschamps, Makelele and Keane had but it is easier to coach a defender. George Graham took ordinary players and made them a brilliant defensive unit. That coaching stood to them for years and years.
August 21st, 2007 at 4:46 pm
i agree with shine and sheed that defending set-pieces is a team effort, the whole point of listing heights was to highlight that fact! it’s not just kolo and gallas, but they do form a great pairing. we are not as weak in the back as people think, relatively speaking.
danny, i dont know if adams was asked or not, but why would a player who spent his entire career at arsenal, became the youngest captain ever and a club legend, plus was helped by wenger with his off-the-field issues would decline an offer? perhaps he wanted to be assistant manager and he could not get that at arsenal (he got it at pompey). steve bould would be great, but 1) he’s not officially listed as a defensive coach and 2) i dont know how he would compare as a motivator with a guy who was captain for 14 years.
also, coaching does go along way into shaping players to fit your system and get the most out of them. just look at what wenger did when he came to the club and people like juande ramos, mark hughes, steve coppell, and dare i say SAF, mourinho and rafa. anyway, i’m not saying that’s the only reason, people also have to look at the competition and the premier league is the best league in the world, not to mention the champions league!
August 21st, 2007 at 5:23 pm
Why would Adams not bother turning up to Dennis Bergkamp’s testimonial or the opening of the Emirates stadium? Players see things differently to how you see things - maybe he doesn’t want to work for Arsenal, he probably wants to be a manager again one day and working under Redknapp as Assistant Manager is probably better than coaching Arsenal’s defence as far as he is concerned.
Steve Bould IS the defensive coach, trust me. Did you ever see him play?? He was just as solid as Adams for the most part and a good communicator too. He was part of the same back 5 as Adams for donkeys years, so there’s nothing Adams knows that Bould doesn’t.
August 21st, 2007 at 5:26 pm
I think there are some differences between coach and manager.
Some ex-players who do not like the pressure of being a manager, like handling the press, handling the man-management side of the game, they probably perfer to just be coach. Best example being Pat Rice, when he was care-taking manager after the sacking of Bruce Rioch, he made it clear he had no intention to take the job full time.
Don Howe is another example. He was a great coach, mentor of the likes of Tony Adams. But he failed during a spell as Arsenal manager.
On the other hand, some ex-players are too proud, and too ambitious to settle to be just a coach. Tony Adams will surely go down to this category, particular when he has to go back to his former club, where he was always THE MAN during his playing years.
Tony is the one and only Mr. Arsenal, I think he will want to keep his legacy intacted, rather than coming back living in the shadow of just being “another coach”.
This point I actually made before. If he ever comes back one day, he will be coming back as Arsenal MANAGER, or never will he be coming back at all.
August 21st, 2007 at 5:33 pm
Danny, as a central half, if we take away the leadership, from a pure angle as a DEFENDER, personally I think Steve Bould was better than Tony at one stage, particular at his prime in the early 90s.
Tony didn’t get called “Donkey” for no reason. HAD him played today, he’s very much a carbon copy of Senderos. I am not making that up, as I started supporting Arsenal just when he was about breaking into the first team, basically followed his entire career.
That’s one reason I think we should give Senderos a bit of time before written him off completely.
August 21st, 2007 at 5:40 pm
I know what type of a player Denilson is supposed to be, Joshuad. Any twat can see that, but I don’t think he is particularly effective as a defensive midfielder or as a playmaker. There is a fine line between one of those donkey-work, unheralded players like Gilberto Silva and being plain ineffective. Denilson belongs in the ineffective as in what-the-hell-does-he-actually-do category.
Of course, he’s only 19 but at that age consistency is supposed to be the main issue, not talent. We haven’t even seen any inspiration with Denilson, he’s just been consistently average.
I’ll make a point of forensically analysing him from now on. Maybe I’ve missed a trick.
August 21st, 2007 at 5:43 pm
Adams has said in the past that he wants to manage Arsenal in the future. Arsene has also said that he is a possible future manager. But Adams also said that he wants to go out and learn about coaching. I get the feeling that in the long term he will be his own man and manage a club in his own right. He has tried this at one of those small clubs beginning with “W” but it didn’t work out. In the meantime, he is learning about other systems etc. After Redknapp, maybe he should learn from Allardyce, Hughes and Mourinho. By the time he comes back to Arsenal he might have a few new ideas!
August 21st, 2007 at 5:48 pm
That’s nonsense Mazza, look at the difference between Ronaldo’s first few seasons at Utd and then last year - that’s a player who has truly flourished from age 21 onwards, and not just mentally but physically.
I think Denilson can be an excellent player, the potential is definitely there. Maybe he won’t make it in the end, but it’s too early to tell. I think he played some excellent games last season, and it’s not easy playing cameo roles off the bench all the time.
August 21st, 2007 at 5:54 pm
Maybe, but he needs to be able to do more than switch play like a robot and play five yard passes.
Even at 18 Ronaldo showed great talent but little end-product. He has gained that and the physical power.
Denilson does just doesn’t seemed to be blessed as an athlete. Like with Cesc, his improvement physique-wise will probably be minimal.
August 21st, 2007 at 5:56 pm
Mazza, you are wrong. Why you compare Denilson with Gilberto. He is 10-11 years younger. Gilberto made his name at 25. Makelele too, he wasn’t the best defensive midfielder at 19. Let Denilson grow up, get experience, build up a little and who knows, maybe he would become even better than those two.
August 21st, 2007 at 6:00 pm
I am half-hearted wanting Adams to come back. On one hand, I do love to see him being at Arsenal again.
On the other hand, as he’s such a popular player at Arsenal, and enjoyed such a success. He almost had a PERFECT career with Arsenal.
And we know how this management thing works, a run of bad result, or some poor purchase, sooner or later his own fans would start to jump on his back.
A manager like AW who has done so much, won so much for Arsenal still cannot win over all the doubters over the years, what chance a rookie manager like Adams stands?
August 21st, 2007 at 6:02 pm
What’s physique got to do to be an effective DM. Makelele was the best DM for years, now that person probably is Mascherano. And they certainly don’t have the physique of let’s say Papa Bouba Diop. It’s all about positioning, tackling, reading the game. The physique is less important.
August 21st, 2007 at 6:08 pm
Why in such a hurry to write Denilson off? Has this kid even played 20 games for us yet?
August 21st, 2007 at 6:09 pm
When I say physique I include speed. Makelele and Mascherano are not big but they are very agile and quick in short bursts. They thrust into challenges and nip in to avert danger. Denilson is stiff and slow, like Fabregas, and like Flamini. Gilberto is athletically gifted but placid by nature. Diaby has got the physical attributes but is lazy by nature and switches off.
That’s why we are so powder-puff in midfield. The likes of Essien, Gerrard, and Scholes have that fizz. When Fabregas wakes up out of is current doldrum we should improve however. He is not dictating the games at the moment.
August 21st, 2007 at 6:12 pm
I’ve seen enough to make a judgement Andez. It doesn’t take three years to work out a players’ attributes in terms of talent.
August 21st, 2007 at 6:16 pm
Scholes has that fizz? Yeah right at 32-33. I remember reading somewhere that when he was young some people thought he wouldn’t make it because of his physique. And I have seen some pics from his early days and I can tell you that Denilson has better physique than Scholes had at 19. And sorry, but Denilson looks faster and stronger than Cesc that’s for sure.
August 21st, 2007 at 7:03 pm
So, you could say Vieira was stiff and slow - certainly compared to Makelele or Essien. Sheed has it spot on. A great footballer is an intelligent footballer - when you got the brain, you know when to tackle, where to tackle, when to pass, where to pass - irrelevant of your position. And you get better with experience - Denilson has a good brain at a young age, he’s only just started his career for god sake.
Maybe you would prefer a dopey mutt like Robbie Savage in the team, running around everywhere kicking people up in the air - distracting his team mates, getting booked and winding up the opposition to play better. How many games have Blackburn lost cos that donkey went too far and brought the best out of the opposition?
August 21st, 2007 at 7:10 pm
Vieira at his best was very quick. He had physical presence and speed. It’s only in the last few years he has slowed. Essien, and Makelele especially, need speed and tenacity to make up for any lack of size.
Denilson at 19 is stiff and slow, and does not appear anymore intelligent than most midfielders. Just because he’s slow it doesn’t necessarily mean he’s gonna be some positional genius. He hasn’t shown any thus far.
We’ll see with him, and see how people’s patience with him wears thinner and thinner.
August 21st, 2007 at 7:25 pm
Vieira at his best… bla, bla, bla
Denilson is only 19, wait and see what he is capable of at his best. Now, I’m not saying that he will be better than him, just be patient. Makelele at 19 was probably playing in the French 2nd division.
August 21st, 2007 at 7:27 pm
I think with time, Denilson can make an impact with our midfield. At 19, he hasn’t fully matured physically. If Wenger felt he wasn’t going to mesh with the system, he would have shipped him out this summer. At 19, Vierra was considered a headcase of sorts. I could be wrong, but I think he is worth giving a chance to prove himself.
August 21st, 2007 at 7:33 pm
Of course, give him a chance by all means. I hope he proves me wrong, but I’ve watched him and made a call early doors. We’ll see how it all shakes out.
And Wenger wouldn’t have shipped him out in the summer if he felt he didn’t mesh with the system. Arsene is very ruthless with the elder players but extremely indulgent with the youngsters. Wenger tries to save face as much as possible with his youth projects so expect Denilson to be on our books until Wenger leaves regardless of his form.
August 21st, 2007 at 7:49 pm
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ax-hElb5NWQ
August 21st, 2007 at 7:52 pm
OFF TOPIC…
Speaking of Robbie Savage, I heard someone Sunday describe him as a referee in training. Whenever there was a stoppage of play on Sunday, he could be seen standing next to the ref. LOL.
August 21st, 2007 at 8:04 pm
@ Sheed:
That is LOL great! Thanks! Although I’m not sure I like the result!
August 21st, 2007 at 8:09 pm
Essien doesn’t lack size at all….the guys a monster. Many maybe most of the better central midfielders are not tall, having a lower centre of gravity is beneficial to them. Vieira was not typical. Essien is not tall but is very powerfully built.
Essien may have inherited Roy Keanes enforcer mantle - I wish we had him.
Add Essien, Terry and Rooney to our squad - steel right through the middle to compliment our stylish play.
August 21st, 2007 at 9:06 pm
Nice clip Sheed. thanks for sharing!
August 22nd, 2007 at 4:21 am
“I’ve seen enough to make a judgement Andez. It doesn’t take three years to work out a players’ attributes in terms of talent.”
Perhaps you should apply to be a scout for a Premiership club! Since apparently you believe you know it better than the scouts Arsenal sent out (to sign Denilson here at the first place)!
August 22nd, 2007 at 4:25 am
btw Mazza, I am not as knowledgable as u in terms of judging a talent, therefore I tend to take a few years to see whether a player (particular a young one) is good enough, or not.
I don’t know how you felt about Tony Adams, when he was 19? The man seemed to often lost his balance, when he made a turn…. or passed the ball straight into the feet of the opponent…. didn’t stop him to become England captain later on though.
August 22nd, 2007 at 4:27 am
At 19, Makelele was in the Nantes first team in the French First Division and won his first trophy at 22 with the French Championship.
August 22nd, 2007 at 4:30 am
“And Wenger wouldn’t have shipped him out in the summer if he felt he didn’t mesh with the system. Arsene is very ruthless with the elder players but extremely indulgent with the youngsters.”
How u explain for years AW been keeping Manninger / Stuart Taylor on the bench, while relying on the 36 years old David Seaman as his number1?
How u explain for years AW been keeping faith with his old back 5, while young hopeful like Matthew Upson back then had to warm the bench?
How u explain for ages AW been keeping Parlour, Kanu, Grimandi the likes in his sub bench, while Pennant, Aliadiere, young talent back then, not even be able to make the bench?
Ruthless with the older players? The bottom line is - you have NO IDEA what’s going on BEHIND the scene. You can say anything you want by what you SEEN on the pitch, but don’t jump into conclusion to things you (or anyone of us) knows NOTHING about.
August 22nd, 2007 at 4:35 am
IrishG, I was just saying that he made his name later, he became maybe the best DM at 25-26.
August 22nd, 2007 at 5:47 am
Sheed,
Not disagreeing with you. He went to Marseilles and then Celta Vigo, didn’t make it to the top until he went to Real, much later in his career. I will be disappointed if Denilson doesn’t win a trophy before he is 22.
August 22nd, 2007 at 6:59 am
I think Mazza is probably saying, who can be bothered to wait until Denilson is 25/26? And maybe he has a point. Perhaps there are too many players at Arsenal that won’t peak for another 5 or 6 years. But it’s silly to say they will never become this or that when they are so young - especially with Wenger’s track record as a coach.
Man Utd did it all those years ago, maybe Arsenal can do the same. Seems unlikely, but they’re not light years behind.
August 22nd, 2007 at 7:58 am
I just don’t know how he got through the Hiller/Selley/John Jensen era……..