Where is Gilberto?
Posted by Gringo Maclure in Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, Copa America, Gilberto, World Cup | 10 November 2007
Since the start of the season, I've been asking myself "Where is Gilberto?" far too frequently. I'm a huge fan of the invisible wall, but I never expected him to be this invisible. I live in Brazil and the sports press here slavishly follow their stars playing the European leagues. For a long time any discussion of the Premiership was synonymous with talk of Arsenal's Mr Silva. In recent weeks he has been relegated behind Man City's Elano as the most interesting Brazilian in the EPL. That's got to be worrying.
So, I was pleased to read a recent BBC article suggesting despite all this Gilberto has no plans to move away from the club in January. The question is, do the club want to keep him?
The signs are a bit ominous. Wenger has been ruthless in culling his previous side of champions in favour of allowing the newer generation through. I expected Gilberto to be an integral part of the Arsenal spine this season but he has been seen warming the bench while Flamini patrols the space behind Fabregas. Many would agree that in the absence of Henry, Gilberto was more then up to the task of captaining Arsenal in his quiet, efficient way and the choice of Gallas for captain after such little time at the club was a shock. Call me a conspiracy-theorist but I think Gallas' appointment was political - a carrot to keep him at the club after a trophyless season. Gallas stays in, Gilberto you are the weakest link...
For his own part, the steady Brazilian has been pulling the strings for his national side and Dunga has made him captain: Gilberto has led the samba boys to victory in Copa America and to a 5-0 demolition of Ecuador in the recent WC qualifier. But Dunga and Gilberto must be worried at the current lack of time on the pitch. On the plus side, Gilberto is keeping "fresh" in-between the long haul flights to and from South America.
Being in Brazil, I may be out of touch with word on the street in the UK about all this. Does anybody have anything else to add about Gilberto's movements (or not)?
I hope Wenger is just resting him for the fixture jam at the end of the season. I hope Gilberto gets more starts. I hope Gilberto remains in the squad until the end of his career. I hope he continues to perform to the highest level for club and country. I hope I'm not hoping in vain.
Comments
The captaincy of Gallas, far from being a carrot would seem to me to be Wenger making Gallas responsible for his words and actions.
Gallas had a miserable season last year, and moaned continuously. Wenger giving him the captaincy has made him 'step up', and we now see a motivated and responsible player. An excellent move by Wenger.
Gilberto probably understands the motivation here and besides, when he does play, you can see the players listen to him and respect him regardless of an armband.
While it's unfortunate he's on the bench (as I personally think he's awesome), what can Wenger do? Flamini is playing very well, and it'd be unfair to take the place he has worked so hard at, from him. This only occured when Gilberto was rested. So respect to Flamini for taking his chance.
Anyway, the season is still young and I would imagine we will see more of Gilberto as it goes on. He can play midfield or centre-back, and neither of the players playing there at the moment are going to play every game.
While he's been quiet, I'd say he's still an integral part of the Arsenal side. His experience will be invaluble as the games wear on.
I desperately hope they don't sell him. But Wenger has a policy of only extending players 30+ of age, contracts by 1 year at a time. So who can say at this stage?
I think, Arsenal defense is very strong, despite the fact that they have suffered some humiliating defeats to Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal. Gallas and Flamini are no win impressive form. So, the task becomes tough for Gilberto. However, Gilbarto can take it as a challenge to make it to the starting line up of Arsenal again. He is an excellent defender and has the talent to take up any challenge.
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