Pre-Season Musings
Posted by Young'un in Arsenal | 17 July 2010
As a gooner, you know the new season is approaching when you travel to Underhill to catch a first glimpse of any new recruits, and the alleged stars of the future. That's right, today Arsenal participated in the now annual exhibition match against fellow Norf Londoners, Barnet. Arsene Wenger selected a strong squad, containing a healthy blend of experienced first team players (who hadn't had the trauma of enduring a World Cup campaign) and a promising crop of teenagers from the Reserve side.
Manuel Almunia missed out on the squad altogether, and while Wenger claims the Spanish shot-stopper was ill, I've got my suspicions. I think Almunia may have played his last game for Arsenal, and, I'm not gonna lie, my fingers, toes and eyes are crossed that this is indeed the case.
Chamakh and Koscielny pulled on the new (and rather lush) home strip for the first time today and were eager to impress, as were the likes of Havard Nordveit, Jack Wilshere and Nacer Barazite, who will be looking to break into the first team once and for all. So, who of the players we have not seen much of before, impressed? For your entertainment, I have compiled a brief report on a selection of players that featured this afternoon; analysing their strengths and weaknesses and constructing a comparison between their playing styles and the game's current greats. I am solely judging these musings on the Barnet game, and my opinion may, and is likely to, change if/when I can be bothered to post more thoughts on our pre-season preparations.
So, here we go...nine players we have seldom, if ever, seen in the famous red and white, being scrutinised briefly but efficiently by yours truly:
Havard Nordveit
How did he perform today? As far as my knowlege of Arsenal's youngsters goes, I was under the assumption that the Norweigen defender could only play at the heart of the backline, so I was pleased to see him turn out at right-back; a position we seem to lack depth in. I was even more satisfied to see him put in a solid shift. He won most, if not all, of his aerial battles, and was solid without being spectacular.
Does he have a future at Arsenal? Yes. With the imminent departures of William Gallas, Mikael Silvestre and perhaps Sol Campbell, Arsenal are desperately short at the back. Nordveit appears to be a no-nonsence defender with a bright future. His versatility may also come in handy.
Who does he play like? Branislav Ivanovic of Chelsea. Nordveit appears to match the Serbian's solidarity and physical presence with a similar attitude of doing the job without making a song and dance about it.
Laurent Koscielny
How did he perform today? It's very difficult to judge him in a game like this, particularly when barely any attacks were thrown his way. Having said that, I managed to pick up on a couple of things. He appeared to be relatively comfortable on the ball, but does not seem to possess the 30-yard diagonal passing ability of Gallas or Vermaelen, or at least he didn't demonstrate it today. He also looked suspect in the air and definitely needs to do some work in the gym, but to be fair, the player himself also conceded this. If I'm honest, he was nothing more than "ok"
Does he have a future at Arsenal? It would be ludicrous to dismiss a new signing after 45 minutes of football in a nothing game. But I'm not gonna lie, he hardly set the world alight. After the Emirates Cup we'll get a better idea of how good he is but I will need at least one big performance before we travel to Anfield on the opening day in order to trust him. We don't want another Cygan, please.
Who does he play like? This is a difficult one. He appears to be mobile and able to bring the ball out of defence, drawing similarities with the man he is replacing, William Gallas, but it's impossible to compare him with anyone when he had very few touches of the ball.
Emmanuel Frimpong
How did he perform today? Bloody well. I was extremely impressed with Frimpong today, he was certainly the stand-out youngster and rivals Andrey Arshavin for the, ahem, prestigious honour of being named Man of the Match. The Ghanaian born midfielder combined African energy with English grit by putting in an all-action display in front of the back four. He looked terrific in the tackle and never stopped running for the team. His physical presence was pretty scary for his age. The only accusation you could throw at him is that he worked too hard or was too eager to impress. Frimpong was happy to bomb forward when possible and several times found himself on the left flank linking up with Traore and Arshavin. If he is to become our future midfield enforcer he'll need to become more disciplined and learn to stick to his specific role.
Does he have a future at Arsenal? Most definitely. As I said, he still has aspects to learn but could seek guidance from Alex Song, the revelation of last season, who seems to have recently mastered the art of staying in position and providing solid, defensive cover. But there's no doubt that if he applies himself, the boy has a big future
Who does he play like? His enthusiasm, athleticism and strength are frighteningly similar to Michael Essien. If he can become half as good as the Chelsea star then we've got quite a player. Or, if that's too much praise we can call him a cross between Song and Mascherano.
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas
How did he perform today? 'JET' drifted in and out of the game, therefore it's difficult to assess him. From what I gathered he's a real athlete who's willing to get stuck in. He's so versatile that it appears we're yet to find him a position to settle in. He played from the right today and looked dangerous when cutting inside and was dominant in the air. His final ball definitely needs work but the raw talent is there
Does he have a future at Arsenal? Difficult to say. From what I have seen and heard, he regularly puts in good performances for the Reserves, which demonstrates that he has ability. Whether he can add more strings to his bow and perform on a bigger stage is a different matter. I do like him but I fear he won't find a way into the side. This season may well be make or break for him.
Who does he play like? Emmanuel-Thomas' lanky stature is similar to that of Abou Diaby, and they both possess the ability to motor past players. But the fact that he can also play at centre-half, left-back or up front means it's impossible to find a direct comparison.
Jay Simpson
How did he perform today? Very well indeed. He grabbed two goals, neatly taken, particularly the first one which was precisely placed in the corner. He appears to be a real fox-in-the-box, something Arsenal have often been crying out for. Dangerous in the area but appeared to be ineffective with his back to goal. With his speed and muscular physique he could be so much more.
Does he have a future at Arsenal? I don't think so. Don't get me wrong, he was good today and gave Mr Wenger something to think about, but his chances will be limited this season, with Marouane Chamakh joining van Persie, Bendtner, Eduardo, Vela, Walcott and Arshavin in what has now become a well-stocked area of the squad. He may get one more chance on loan but I think he has blossomed a little too late and his career at Arsenal may be over. But his performance today may attract a Premier League club, and, as he proved during his stint at West Brom, he's capable of scoring goals on the big stage.
Who does he play like? His stockiness and movement in the box is reminiscent of a modern Wayne Rooney, well before the disastrous World Cup, I mean. But Jay appears to lack the energy, workrate and ability to come deep for the ball like the Manchester United hitman. His predatory instincts are not dissimilar from those of Eduardo, either.
Ignasi Miquel
How did he perform today? Impressively. I must admit I knew nothing about Miquel before today other than he was a Spanish defender. But this afternoon he put in a very good shift. While Barnet hardly threw the kitchen sink at the Arsenal backline, Miquel was able to put on a show for the Arsenal fans and perhaps persuade the manager not to dip into the market for another centre-half. He looked good on the ball and was terrific aerially. I don't think he was beaten once. He was however caught napping once which a better team may have capitalised on.
Does he have a future at Arsenal? Quite possibly. It's foolish to base his future on one performance but he was very impressive today. The lapse in concentration is not unusual for a boy of his age and inexperience and overcoming this weakness will come in time. He's got the ability, if he works hard, takes on any advice given to him then why not? The sky's the limit.
Who does he play like? His cool presence on the field and ability in the air reminds me of a young Rio Ferdinand. If he can perform consistently and continue to learn, there's no reason why he can't emulate the man England missed so badly in South Africa this summer.
Henri Lansbury
How did he perform today? He was decent. Lansbury has been around for a while but has never made a real impact. Often he has come on as a substitute in the League Cup but we have seldom seen more than 45 minutes, even in pre-season. Today he was cruising. A poor, tiring Barnet side were unwilling to close him down so he had the freedom of the pitch to knock the ball about. He has a decent range of passing and demonstrated some sort of discipline but he doesn't emitt that talented aura like Gibbs or Wilshere.
Does he have a future at Arsenal? I doubt it. He did nothing wrong but whenever I've seen him he seems to do as little work as possible. I'm not saying he's lazy necessarily, that may just be how he plays. But while he can pass the ball, he can't pass it like Fabregas, Wilshere or Rosicky can. His talents are limited. Lansbury impressed on loan in the Championship but I can't see him succeeding in the Premier League. I'm afraid he's not good enough to displace the likes of Nasri, Rosicky, Diaby and Denilson who will be battling to partner Cesc and Song in midfield. He may get time in the League Cup but don't expect to see him starting in the Champions League, for example.
Who does he play like? His laid-back approach is similar to that of Michael Carrick. Both can spray the ball and aren't afraid to shoot from distance but neither will turn a game on its head for you.
Conor Henderson
How did he perform today? Surprisingly well. He demonstrated neat touches, an ability to turn a marker and a good range of passing, picking out Theo Walcott in particular several times with relative accuracy. I knew little of Henderson before today but he made a good impression. He has work to do but, like so many Arsenal youngsters, the talent is there.
Does he have a future at Arsenal? I've got no idea. The midfield is where the greatest competition lies when it comes to Young Gunners. It really is survival of the fittest. Can he compete with Barazite, Wilshere, Emmanuel-Thomas and Frimpong as well as the established first team players? Time will tell. He's nowhere near yet but if he develops well there's no reason why he can't get his big break.
Who does he play like? Steven Gerrard. Henderson possesses a desire to get forward and make things happen and the ability to retain the ball under pressure like the England captain but we are yet to see some stinging long range efforts that have become synonymous with the Scouse DJ-beating midfielder.
Marouane Chamakh
How did he perform today? The Morrocan forward was the player I was most looking forward to seeing this afternoon. I was pleased with his input without having to drool over the prospect of him banging in 40 goals. Because he won't. Chamakh is not that type of player. He's much more team-orientated and his height gives us another option. The primary plus point of his performance was his touch. It was exquisite. Yes, he will be under more pressure playing against defenders like Vidic or Terry but he looked so comfortable. Chamakh effortlessly trapped the balls that were zipped into his feet and was happy to lay the ball off to the on-rushing midfielders. You get the feeling Fabregas and Arshavin will love playing with him. Chamakh can potentially compensate for not being prolific in front of goal by providing a hatful of chances for our dangerous attacking duo. He looks in decent physical shape, could perhaps bulk up a bit more, but looks able to hold the ball up. We're yet to see his aerial ability but that will certainly come in handy when the season kicks off. I want to see more to fully judge him but he's an exciting prospect
Does he have a future at Arsenal? Like Koscielny, being a new addition he'll obviously get a chance, and I think he'll grasp it with both hands. His presence in the air adds another dimension to our game. In the last couple of years we have seen balls tossed in aimlessly when time is running out and our passing game is not working. But, Bendtner aside, nobody is there to attack it. Chamakh could be that man and his contribution could be priceless. I'm looking forward to seeing him again because I think he's going to be a shrewd piece of business.
Who does he play like? A hard-working Dimitar Berbatov. His control and link-up play are similar to that of the mercurial Bulgarian but Chamakh seems willing to chase for balls more and I'd wager he's a bigger threat in the air. I've seen 45 minutes of the Morrocan, he's yet to score, but I'm already a fan!
So there you have it; my thoughts on the return of the mighty Gunners. If time allows I intend to analyse more of our players following the tour of Austria and the Emirates Cup. Hopefully these handful of games will give us an insight as to what to expect from Arsenal in the coming season. I, for one, cannot wait...
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