Defensive signings seem to be the talk of the day regarding Arsenal. The Ajax captain Vermaelen is reportedly on the verge of signing for Arsenal in a 10 million pound deal.
Like most Arsenal fans out there, I've never seen this man play. Here are 10 things you need to know about him:
1) He is 6 feet 1 inches. Taller than Carlos Puyol and Ivan Cordoba
2) He is a Scorpio. The symbol that symbolizes Scorpio is the scorpion - an intense little creature that has enough poison in it's tail to disable or kill a much larger opponent.
3) He has 21 caps for Belgium;
4) He has played 85 times for Ajax, scoring 6 goals and winning the 2006 Dutch cup;
5) He is from a small town called Kapellen, which is situated just outside of Antwerp. The population of Kapellen is very small only 26,000 inhabitants but it boasts a number of professional sportmen: Tom De Mul (Sevilla), Kevin Van Dessel (Roda JC), NBA basketball player Didier Llunger Mbenger (LA Lakers) and retired Olympic high jumper Christine Soetewey.
6) He is 23 years old. He will be 24 in November;
7) He has short hair;
8) His hair is dark;
9) He is white;
10) He is not married.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Hype, Hilarity, and Hope
For all the hype and expectation of Liverpool finally winning the Premiership, for the hilarity laced in chants by Liverpool fans after their 4-1 drubbing of Utd, for all the hope of Rafa finally putting Ferguson in his place, Liverpool have as much to show for their “resurgence” as Arsenal do from this past season – two empty hands and European football. Granted they will not have to start their Champions League campaign with qualifying rounds but you get my meaning.
There are reports that Liverpool FC cannot manage interest payments and might be forced to exercise one of three options:
‘Refinance, get new equity investors, or sell [the business] to somebody else who's prepared to absorb the debt and start from scratch.’
Those are the recommendations of Sean Hamil, from the University of London's Birkbeck Sport Business Centre.
I cannot help but wonder how The Negatives feel about one of the world’s fabled football clubs, indeed one of the most successful clubs in the history of English football, being in such a potentially grim state. I cannot help but wonder what the reaction would have been if Arsenal had succumbed to all the anxious if not frantic cries from fan and neutral alike to buy big names, to spend big cash on new players, only to have finished the season without a trophy – just like Liverpool. There’s really no guarantee that an alternate approach to ours would have made us more successful. It’s simply human nature to become distressed and overly expectant when your rivals have employed different methods that seem to put them in a better place than you are.
I’ve gone from very confrontational and always ready to argue with The Negatives, to adopting a ‘we’ll get the last laugh’ attitude. While signs are ominous for Liverpool’s financial state, I’ve yet to read anything suggesting that we are not meeting our financial obligations vis a vis Emirates Stadium. I am convinced that the key to prolonged success for our club is intertwined with the building of the stadium.
Liverpool’s owners are not passionate about football or the football club – if they are, I stand corrected – but are passionate about money. How else did they become so wealthy? If recent reports are true, the club is in serious trouble.
It is hit or miss whether or not Liverpool will meet the July 24 deadline to refinance their £350m debt. Again, I have not read anything suggesting that Arsenal cannot meet financial obligations vis a vis Emirates Stadium.
There are plenty of people who’d gladly swap Togo for Torres, Eboue for Kuyit, Denilson for Alonso, etc. But I would be willing to place good money on the majority of Liverpool fans wishing that they were meeting their financial obligations. If not then we’re not the only club with Negatives willing to sacrifice the club’s stability for short term gain.
There are reports that Liverpool FC cannot manage interest payments and might be forced to exercise one of three options:
‘Refinance, get new equity investors, or sell [the business] to somebody else who's prepared to absorb the debt and start from scratch.’
Those are the recommendations of Sean Hamil, from the University of London's Birkbeck Sport Business Centre.
I cannot help but wonder how The Negatives feel about one of the world’s fabled football clubs, indeed one of the most successful clubs in the history of English football, being in such a potentially grim state. I cannot help but wonder what the reaction would have been if Arsenal had succumbed to all the anxious if not frantic cries from fan and neutral alike to buy big names, to spend big cash on new players, only to have finished the season without a trophy – just like Liverpool. There’s really no guarantee that an alternate approach to ours would have made us more successful. It’s simply human nature to become distressed and overly expectant when your rivals have employed different methods that seem to put them in a better place than you are.
I’ve gone from very confrontational and always ready to argue with The Negatives, to adopting a ‘we’ll get the last laugh’ attitude. While signs are ominous for Liverpool’s financial state, I’ve yet to read anything suggesting that we are not meeting our financial obligations vis a vis Emirates Stadium. I am convinced that the key to prolonged success for our club is intertwined with the building of the stadium.
Liverpool’s owners are not passionate about football or the football club – if they are, I stand corrected – but are passionate about money. How else did they become so wealthy? If recent reports are true, the club is in serious trouble.
It is hit or miss whether or not Liverpool will meet the July 24 deadline to refinance their £350m debt. Again, I have not read anything suggesting that Arsenal cannot meet financial obligations vis a vis Emirates Stadium.
There are plenty of people who’d gladly swap Togo for Torres, Eboue for Kuyit, Denilson for Alonso, etc. But I would be willing to place good money on the majority of Liverpool fans wishing that they were meeting their financial obligations. If not then we’re not the only club with Negatives willing to sacrifice the club’s stability for short term gain.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Kyle Bartley - Youth Player of the Year
Since Jack Wilshere gets a lot of plaudits, let's focus on another youth player for a change. That's not to take away from Wilshere's performances this year (including his playmaking against Liverpool in the first leg of the FA Youth Cup Final), but Kyle Bartley has been awfully impressive for the Reserves and the Youth squads.
He has made 28 overall appearances for the Reserve/Youth teams, and the most appearances for the Reserve squad of any Arsenal player. For an 18 year old, that's an achievement.
He is tall, physical, and a commanding presence in the back. Alongside Havard Nordtveit and Gavin Hoyte, we finally have some young defenders who might break in to the first squad in a couple of years time. Taken from Bolton, Bartley has the tools to make it in the first team if he continues his improvement.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Alex Song - Player of the Year
The man on the left is my choice for Player of the Year. True, he didn't make the PFA Team of the Year. However, when Ryan Giggs is voted PFA Player of the Year having only started 12 games then you know my opinion of the PFA awards.
A Negative told me last week that Song is not better than Carrick or Fletcher in center midfield. He also informed me that Vidic and Ferdinand were better than Song at center-back. I asked if Carrick or Fletcher can play center-back. He said "probably not." I then asked him if Ferdinand or Vidic could play as good as Song in center midfield? He shook his head.
Ferdinand has played 14 years as a center-back. Give Song that amount of experience and I am sure you will see him make the PFA Team of the Year every season.
Song doesn't have the height of Carrick, Vidic, Ferdinand or Fletcher but still out jumps tall muscular strikers like Heskey or Agbonlahor. He has great timing in the tackle, he's also strong in the tackle and will never be bullied in a game. The Negatives hate his lazy, stoned look, and use it as a weapon for his exclusion from the team. His passing needs improvement but I am confident that it will. After all, his passing is better than what a lot of people give him credit for.
Certain games stand out where Song was outstanding. Both games at Old Trafford. His substitute appearence at White Hart Lane when Eboue was sent off. His Carling Cup performance against Wigan, where he made mincemeat of Emille Heskey.
Arsenal bought from Bastia for 1 million pounds. Today he is worth a lot more
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Season Review Pt. II - Opinion
Top Three Factors That Contributed To Our Failure This Season
o Togo’s poor return – after a 30-goal performance and an improved contract, we expected more. I would not sell him though. A proven goal scorer deserves another year to sort himself out.
o The Gallas witch hunt – some feel that there was no witch hunt. There was. From criticism of almost every word the man spoke to edited photos of him ‘smoking’ an unlit cigarette, the climate was made difficult, at best.
o Defensive mistakes – key moments that defined our season were not in the offensive but the defensive third of the pitch.
The State of Our Club - Ownership and Direction
Unlike other bloggers, I do not claim to know more than I actually do. My sources are not mysterious individuals with close ties to the club. I read most of what the rest of the world read and make my own judgments on that basis.
Beyond players the club has changed dramatically from 36, 24, and even 12 months ago - Usmanov lurks as Kroenke ascends, Lady Nina, and Messers Fiszman and Edelman are either out or no longer hold the same positions of influence at the club, the debt on Emirates Stadium remains, and speculation about Board unrest and being less than forthright about club finances is common.
Those factors have largely reshaped the face of our club. That much I do know. Oh, and a special thank you very much to Tony Adams for adding to the speculation. Give me positive proof and I’ll be happy to rethink my position on certain issues. Speculation is useless to me. I need to see proof that the Board has been holding back the truth. I need to see more than just words spouted in anger by people with nothing but theories and opinions.
The specter of Uzbek billionaire Usmanov makes some fans very uncomfortable. Foreign ownership is generally unwanted. The fact that it could be in the form of the terribly unpopular Alisher Usmanov makes it all the worse. Yet there are those who wouldn’t mind if he took over the club and pumped it full of money – no matter how that money was procured.
Others feel if we’re going to be taken over at all, let it be by the more palatable American Stan Kroenke who has a proven pedigree with ownership of multiple franchises in the sports arena, save the recent double booking of pro wrestling and basketball playoffs on the same night. Interestingly however, the addition of Ivan Gazidis could make a bigger strategic difference than either mega-share holder does.
I am a proponent of the Wenger model. It might need some fine tuning but I am convinced that it is a sound approach. Gazidis seems competent and savvy enough to help massively in that department. With the stadium debt at a manageable level, the club is stable and can become more profitable and remain self-sustaining. That, my friends is what it’s all about – self-sustainability. If we can win things along the way it would be optimal.
What gives you hope going forward
I am dismayed at times by the impatience of Arsenal fans. It is one thing to prefer a different approach to the Wenger model. It is another thing entirely to deny that the young players are gaining invaluable experience. Tomorrow they will become those players that Wenger is criticized for not buying today.
I relish the fact that Kieran Gibbs is good enough to have been given such a level of responsibility that his mistake vs. United made so big a difference. He’ll be better for it. I look forward to the fruits of L’il Jack’s phased nurturing. Having had a taste of what’s ahead, he’ll be eager to get his chance at the top level. Alex Song has been the revelation we (at eighteen86) believed he’d be. Song has proven his quality and versatility. I firmly believe that there’s much more to come from him. Samir Nasri is a much better player than he’s shown this season. We have not seen him at his most effective.
It is always tricky to try predicting which young player will become a good pro. Having won the Youth League and the Youth Cup Final, this current crop provides Wenger with a healthy lot to choose from.
Andrei Arshavin will have a full pre-season and will be fully settled by September. That will make a major difference in how he performs next season. I can hardly wait to see him play with an in form Cesc and a fully fit Eduardo.
Eduardo will be ready for action next term. He makes a huge difference when healthy.
I believe that we have not been far away from winning something in either of the four years that are the source of Wenger’s bane. Talk of the current four-year drought is like the lyrics to that very popular but extremely annoying song that stays in my head for days.
Add two to three key players to a healthy squad and we will deliver. I am convinced of that.
What Keeps Me Up At Night
The recurrence of injuries to key players is always a source of worry for me. Injuries happen. They are part of the game. It just seems that they happen more often to our best payers than can be explained logically. The following have been out for extended and/or key periods in the past few seasons: Cesc, Eduardo, RvP, Gallas, Rosicky, Clichy, Sagna, Diaby, Theo, and Togo. Are we just unlucky? Are we targets? Are we doing something in training that makes us vulnerable in battle?
o Togo’s poor return – after a 30-goal performance and an improved contract, we expected more. I would not sell him though. A proven goal scorer deserves another year to sort himself out.
o The Gallas witch hunt – some feel that there was no witch hunt. There was. From criticism of almost every word the man spoke to edited photos of him ‘smoking’ an unlit cigarette, the climate was made difficult, at best.
o Defensive mistakes – key moments that defined our season were not in the offensive but the defensive third of the pitch.
The State of Our Club - Ownership and Direction
Unlike other bloggers, I do not claim to know more than I actually do. My sources are not mysterious individuals with close ties to the club. I read most of what the rest of the world read and make my own judgments on that basis.
Beyond players the club has changed dramatically from 36, 24, and even 12 months ago - Usmanov lurks as Kroenke ascends, Lady Nina, and Messers Fiszman and Edelman are either out or no longer hold the same positions of influence at the club, the debt on Emirates Stadium remains, and speculation about Board unrest and being less than forthright about club finances is common.
Those factors have largely reshaped the face of our club. That much I do know. Oh, and a special thank you very much to Tony Adams for adding to the speculation. Give me positive proof and I’ll be happy to rethink my position on certain issues. Speculation is useless to me. I need to see proof that the Board has been holding back the truth. I need to see more than just words spouted in anger by people with nothing but theories and opinions.
The specter of Uzbek billionaire Usmanov makes some fans very uncomfortable. Foreign ownership is generally unwanted. The fact that it could be in the form of the terribly unpopular Alisher Usmanov makes it all the worse. Yet there are those who wouldn’t mind if he took over the club and pumped it full of money – no matter how that money was procured.
Others feel if we’re going to be taken over at all, let it be by the more palatable American Stan Kroenke who has a proven pedigree with ownership of multiple franchises in the sports arena, save the recent double booking of pro wrestling and basketball playoffs on the same night. Interestingly however, the addition of Ivan Gazidis could make a bigger strategic difference than either mega-share holder does.
I am a proponent of the Wenger model. It might need some fine tuning but I am convinced that it is a sound approach. Gazidis seems competent and savvy enough to help massively in that department. With the stadium debt at a manageable level, the club is stable and can become more profitable and remain self-sustaining. That, my friends is what it’s all about – self-sustainability. If we can win things along the way it would be optimal.
What gives you hope going forward
I am dismayed at times by the impatience of Arsenal fans. It is one thing to prefer a different approach to the Wenger model. It is another thing entirely to deny that the young players are gaining invaluable experience. Tomorrow they will become those players that Wenger is criticized for not buying today.
I relish the fact that Kieran Gibbs is good enough to have been given such a level of responsibility that his mistake vs. United made so big a difference. He’ll be better for it. I look forward to the fruits of L’il Jack’s phased nurturing. Having had a taste of what’s ahead, he’ll be eager to get his chance at the top level. Alex Song has been the revelation we (at eighteen86) believed he’d be. Song has proven his quality and versatility. I firmly believe that there’s much more to come from him. Samir Nasri is a much better player than he’s shown this season. We have not seen him at his most effective.
It is always tricky to try predicting which young player will become a good pro. Having won the Youth League and the Youth Cup Final, this current crop provides Wenger with a healthy lot to choose from.
Andrei Arshavin will have a full pre-season and will be fully settled by September. That will make a major difference in how he performs next season. I can hardly wait to see him play with an in form Cesc and a fully fit Eduardo.
Eduardo will be ready for action next term. He makes a huge difference when healthy.
I believe that we have not been far away from winning something in either of the four years that are the source of Wenger’s bane. Talk of the current four-year drought is like the lyrics to that very popular but extremely annoying song that stays in my head for days.
Add two to three key players to a healthy squad and we will deliver. I am convinced of that.
What Keeps Me Up At Night
The recurrence of injuries to key players is always a source of worry for me. Injuries happen. They are part of the game. It just seems that they happen more often to our best payers than can be explained logically. The following have been out for extended and/or key periods in the past few seasons: Cesc, Eduardo, RvP, Gallas, Rosicky, Clichy, Sagna, Diaby, Theo, and Togo. Are we just unlucky? Are we targets? Are we doing something in training that makes us vulnerable in battle?
Players To Buy
When considering what our team may need, I've tried to pick out reasonable targets. That means I won't write about how much I want Michael Essien to play for us. Our squad has been lambasted by many as being too thin, but the fact of the matter is, other than one position in particular, we're well set up for the future.
These are the players I would love to see play for Arsenal next year.
Blaise Matuidi, DMF, AS Saint-Étienne:
Just as I was about to write about this player, it seems like there have been small rumors about Matuidi being linked with us. This is not a big surprise, as we were looking into him about a year ago. From what I've read, we've had Grimandi scout the player for a full year now. Today, Arseblogger about him briefly, dubbing him the "New Black Flamini," something which I find to be offensive. In fact, he has the potential to be far better. Think Makelele with a touch of Pirlo. Obviously, he's not that player now, but he has the upside to be much better than Lassana Diarra. I was actually rooting for St. Etienne to go down, so we could have him for cheaper, but they managed to stay up. He'll add much steel in midfield, a smart player and a good eye for distribution. Alongside Alex Song, Matuidi would provide the ideal complement to Cesc. And for those that complain about his short height, well he's the same height as Makelele and "Lass." I want this guy now.
Cristian Zapata, CB, Udinese Calcio:
A 22-year old powerhouse. Think Kolo Toure in the Invincibles team, but better and bigger. I think it's time to replace Kolo Toure in the starting XI of Arsenal. I love Kolo, but he's been on the wane for the last two years. Zapata could not be a more perfect replacement for him. He's got pace. He's plying his trade in Italy, which is about the best blooding a player could have for defense. He's good positionally. He can use both feet, meaning he will be comfortable being fielded as a left CB, something Gallas has done as a soldier and been completely unrecognized for doing so. It will take some cash to prize this guy away, but he's young and he can play for us for years.
Brede Hangeland, CB, Fulham FC, Gary Cahill, CB, Bolton Wanderers FC, Sebastien Bassong, CB, Newcastle United FC:
These three players would require no adaptation to the Premier League. They are all 6 ft 2 inches or taller. They are all probably overpriced. But they would fill a great need in this Arsenal team. They would be able to play the ball in the air and nullify the long ball tactics used by so many weaker teams against us. All of them have their positives. Hangeland played for the fourth best defense in the Premier League, and he's an elegant defender. Gary Cahill has just been called up for the England team, is young, and is on the rise. Bassong has just been relegated, meaning he'll want to leave Newcastle as soon as possible. He was educated at Clairefontaine, and he's athletic. Any of these three would do, I would take the one that would be cheapest, to be honest.
Ezequiel Garay, CB, CF Real Madrid:
This player is everything I've stated with the trio above, but he plays in La Liga. He has not played a game for Real Madrid yet, as they bought him and immediately sent him back on loan to Racing Santander. It is a pipe dream, and he would need time to adapt to the Premier League, but this guy is the big man I want in our defence.
Edin Dzeko, CF, VfL Wolfsburg:
If Adebayor is sold, this is the player who should replace him. Along with Grafite and Misimovic, this trio set the Bundesliga (an underrated league) ablaze this year. A historic triumph, Dzeko scored 26 goals in 32 games. He is a great link up man, very good in the air, and classy. People have referred to him as the Bosnian Marco van Basten. He's as tall as Adebayor, so any of the variation in our football that came as a positive when Adebayor played would not be lost. Simply put, he can be one of the best strikers in the world.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Players That Need To Go
Philippe Senderos:
Some pundits and fans said that Pascal Cygan was bad. Well Philippe, he was better than you. He was slow, you are slow. But Pascal was better at reading a game and his timing was a lot better. You had the advantage of working your way through Arsenal's academy and reserves. Fans like a so called home-grown player, except you were not home-grown. You were a very young transfer signing, which has escaped the memories of certain Gooners. You went on loan for a reason. You failed on loan and therefore you need to be sold. You had one good season with Arsenal but that was in the Champions League games of 2006. Cyndi Lauper had a good hit with "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" after that she faded away like an old fart. I expect the same will happen with you Philippe.
Mikael Sylvestre:
You have been unfairly criticized. You were bought as back up and you accepted that role with dignity. You have one year left on your contract. I suspect that financially you would like to see out that contract rather than move away to a club that is struggling and suffer a drop in wages. You could be a good influence on some of the younger players at the club. However, Arsenal need a younger, top quality, center-back. You are not that man. If we sign this player then I think you should move on. Of course, you will be allowed to leave on a free and with the best wishes of Arsenal Football Club.
Amaury Bischoff:
Your injuries seemed to have cleared up. I hope that you had a great experience at Arsenal because your contract is up and it will not be renewed. Andrei Arshavin and Jack Wilshire have put paid to that. However, I'm sure that you will find a new club.
Emmanuel Adebayor:
How many goals did you score this season? How much are you getting paid from your new contract? This seaon you have been average. You cause controversy with your claims that AC Milan and Barcelona want to sign you. For 24 million pounds you can go. If you had the humility of Eduardo you could go far but you don't and never will.
The Jury Is Out On The Following
Kolo Toure
Tomas Rosicky
Armand Traore
Some pundits and fans said that Pascal Cygan was bad. Well Philippe, he was better than you. He was slow, you are slow. But Pascal was better at reading a game and his timing was a lot better. You had the advantage of working your way through Arsenal's academy and reserves. Fans like a so called home-grown player, except you were not home-grown. You were a very young transfer signing, which has escaped the memories of certain Gooners. You went on loan for a reason. You failed on loan and therefore you need to be sold. You had one good season with Arsenal but that was in the Champions League games of 2006. Cyndi Lauper had a good hit with "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" after that she faded away like an old fart. I expect the same will happen with you Philippe.
Mikael Sylvestre:
You have been unfairly criticized. You were bought as back up and you accepted that role with dignity. You have one year left on your contract. I suspect that financially you would like to see out that contract rather than move away to a club that is struggling and suffer a drop in wages. You could be a good influence on some of the younger players at the club. However, Arsenal need a younger, top quality, center-back. You are not that man. If we sign this player then I think you should move on. Of course, you will be allowed to leave on a free and with the best wishes of Arsenal Football Club.
Amaury Bischoff:
Your injuries seemed to have cleared up. I hope that you had a great experience at Arsenal because your contract is up and it will not be renewed. Andrei Arshavin and Jack Wilshire have put paid to that. However, I'm sure that you will find a new club.
Emmanuel Adebayor:
How many goals did you score this season? How much are you getting paid from your new contract? This seaon you have been average. You cause controversy with your claims that AC Milan and Barcelona want to sign you. For 24 million pounds you can go. If you had the humility of Eduardo you could go far but you don't and never will.
The Jury Is Out On The Following
Kolo Toure
Tomas Rosicky
Armand Traore
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