Before you tell me to scrub my mouth out with soapy water read on, there is much method in my madness.
So coming off the back of a complete no news week we have in theory one week left of the non football bit and then we begin pre season, so I guess we have a week to sign the defensive midfielder we need or go with what we have.
Last season we had Denilson and Song as our defensive midfielders, this season we have a few options but one of them isn’t Alex Song, Wenger has said he we be competing for the centre back role.
So who have we got to choose from? Well Diaby is bulking up so there’s him, Ramsey could be another and Nasri has said he could do it and of course there’s Denilson.
Denilson may have bulked up a bit and Ramsey will be a bit older but who will the boss put in there. My guess is Nasri or Diaby with Denilson and Ramsey as back up.
How will the team shape up then? These are some possible line ups.
Almunia
Sagna Gallas Vermaelen Clichy
Walcott Cesc Diaby Rosicky
Arshavin Robin
Or perhaps
Almunia
Sagna Senderos Kolo Vermaelen
Walcott Cesc Nasri Vela
Adebayor Robin
Or maybe even
Almunia
Eboue Song Vermaelen Clichy
Nasri Cesc Arshavin Rosicky
Bendtner Eduardo
I have included Vermaelen in all the line ups not knowing what he’s like, but as the boss has just spent £10 million on him, I have to figure he will start, we do seem to have a few options in the team especially up front and strangely enough in the middle, I know that a few of the centre back pairings are both left footed but so what, many pairings in football are all right footed, and although we have a lot of midfielders we don’t have too many options in the defensive role, but when did we ever? Petit wasn’t really a defensive midfielder and nor was Edu, not in the strictest sense anyway, so maybe he’s going for the exciting attacking midfield and banking on a solid back four to …well, defend.
I know that’s a little novel, defenders defending, but what we’ll lack defending we’ll make up for winning the midfield battle and going forward, who knows maybe he has Cesc earmarked for that role as well.
What I would like to see Wenger do this season is what Maureen did so successfully in his time with the chavs, make a substitution when we need it and not on 67 minutes, when the opposition are expecting it.
I would also like to see see the boss switching the forwards at half time if it isn’t working, that way the other team will be confused and we will be resting our front line, we will also be rotating and therefore not getting players moaning about lack of playing opportunities.
It may just work and with such a long season, it could save on injuries too. We could also rotate the back four now we have a plethora of centre backs and two spare full backs.
What do you think, have we enough? I believe that with the players we have, another year on and the criticism they received last term, we may just come of age, we’ll know soon enough, I would buy that DM and I would get shot of Ade but if we don’t then at least the team will know each other, realise it’s their last chance and maybe, just maybe they’ll push on and repay the faith our manager has put in them, so today Le Grove is backing the squad to deliver.
We will soon be past the point of signings, and the time for supporting what we have will be upon us, so one last week of speculating, then that’s it.
A word of deep joy aimed at our much loved antipodean chums and how they must have felt like the mancs did after we stuffed them in the 2005 FA Cup final, and it makes up for that cheating Red Bull driver that punctured Theo’s rear tyre when he overtook the field at the first corner in the German Grand Prix, shit happens boys and so does Karma!
Have a great day Grovers, the sun is shining!
1
Nooooooooo
2nd
2nd?
ok, 3rd
i was on holiday
and my first comment for times is first:P
lol..
Geoff our squad is very strong – its a shame we have 2-3 injuries in the one spot – if we signed M, would that suffice, would that mean we have enough players in the squad to compete? i think so..
top10?????
Just as a side note – the subs thing is huge..i think Arsene has banked too much into stats and studies, and gives the starting 11 too mcuh time to make an impact.. nothing wrong with swappin players at half time, or earlier…
Sorry lads, not sure when Wenger ruled Song out of central midfield?
Did I miss the memo?
Any news on Matuidi?? One week to go hardly….for preseason
Matuidi’s made up press nonsense.
I still think that Song will be an option At DM. Wenger says a lot of things that don’t actually materialise. And since we have four more experienced centre backs, I expect Song to be mainly played in Midfield again.
I do agree that we have more options than usual. I’d still like to see a more physically commanding Midfield though, I feel it will be essential
Matuidi to be our usual last day signing to lift morale around the club.
If we sign Matuidi or Inler then we are brewed to go….We must start on a winning note because Chelsea and Liverpool are still very strong….
Jimbo, he’s said on numerous occasions that he sees Song as a centre back… and he played him there for the last few games last year despite having other options.
good morning y’all
agree with ur post 2day.so many times Wenger has waited until the 80th minute to throw on subs :/ by then its too late. moureen was a successful gambler & more often then not it worked. Guys also read Gunnerblog 2day.He’s got an interesting piece on Matuidi – must read.
We have lot of attacking options,the only thing we need to concentrate on is to not leak goals like last season…..I do hope Song maintains his good form in latter half of season…till we wait for deadline day to decide wether we should buy some experineced cheap box to box DM
A post signifying stability that is finally engulfing the squad.
Geoff, manure lost, but ofcourse the spuds drew 4-4, & I know how much that comparison will erk you.
As for the Red Bull winner, I’ll have to take your word on that. Obviously cutting “yesterdays news” off was good Karma, coz Red Bull went 1 & 2, & not for the last time this season
I think Wenger has probably finished in the market now unless of course he brings in a monster signing to shut us all up.
Pedro, He also said Walcott is a striker, yet he has been on the right wing. Just because Wenger sees him as becoming a centre back, doesn’t mean he won’t be using him in midfield, like he did for most of last season
HonestBill & Pedro – i honestly think that if we dnt get Matuidi then SONG should be our DM with DENILSON our backup.I expect SONG & Denilson to be wiser in that role now that they’v got a season behind them.
Morning all,
Just 5 more days for another pre-season signing so fingers crossed on that one. Of the options that seem possible only Cana fills me with too much hope, but maybe Wenger can pull one out of the hat and surprise us with someone, like he did with Sagna and Eduardo.
And Geoff, the Skippies must be kicking themselves after Monty and Jimmy (who is a gooner by the way)clung on – they should have beaten us hands down.
Did you hear the “you’re not singing anymore!” chants as the Skippies realised they had snatched a draw from the hands of victory?
Gnarley we beat the Manc but got hammered in the game, that was the cricketing comparison.
Bill but he said he was blooding Theo on the wing and has done.
Why would you doubt the wisdom of Wenger?
Geoff
since when has a draw been a win. Its definitely a Spud moment.
I’d say one more signing and we’re ready to go! If not song needs someone next to him to do the running
It wasn’t a win, it was funny though and someone should remind that hobbit Ponting that his batsmen were wasting loads of time when they were batting, our bowlers complained on more than one occasion, Karma!
I think that AW is poor at substituting players. In a number of matches the subs aint on until 70 min most of the time. he shd take a leaf from other managers. It’s no shame .
I think Wenger should try to build the team around Arshavin..as he is the Best Player in EPL according to me..even better than torres
Geoff. I’m not doubting the wisdom of Wenger, I’m suggesting that Song won’t be used as a centre back this season unless two of Gallas/Verm/Toure are out injured, So therefore he will be far more likely to play DM. I’m not saying he won’t become a centre half one day. Knowing Wenger I wouldn’t put money against him being a centre forward one day. But i don’t think it will be this season.
Of course this opinion largely depends on Toure and Gallas both staying
Chary
We’ve still got the cup. & yes you always know that you are playing the skippies. England one day, England & Wales the next, Great Britain the next, UK the next, or Europe even.
almost forgot British & Irish.
sorry where has wenger said song is now a centre back? I missed that, but if he did that is quite significant.
Another thing abt Matuidi – he’s a BOX to BOX midfielder like Flamini. SONG & DENILSON like to stick to the middle of pitch.The strange thing is if we were after him the transfer would have been wrapped up by now.Imo i think we need a DM incase SONG gets injured/ACN cup because i’m not sure that Denilson is ready yet to be the sole DM against the top6/(8?) sides.
Lets get Inler in , forget Melo and his high price , get Inler at a cheaper price , a more mobile player and could be just who we need at 25 certainly at his peak. I heard someone from the club made contact with Udinese regarding him, I say get him in and get a solid pre-season under our belts and so for the title !
Morning all, john hartson’s got testicular and brain cancer! poor bastard!
we’ve got one more signing on the way im sure, then a kid or 2 just to keep wenger happy
Bill, what Geoff said. In the future… he sees him centrally.
I think Wenger prefers Denilson centrally… but he likes Song. He can’t go another season having to play two sub standard holding midfielders in the middle.
Plus, if he is signing another one… then he has to let someone go… or shift the pack…
Song in the centre of defence allows him to buy another midfielder.
I reckon Ade will have a good season. He knows clubs have been put off him due to his attitude & generally how poor he was last season, so I think that’ll make him buckle down & go back to the player that chased around after defenders all game & gave Rio a torrid time at OT the season before last.
He wants to go, he knows the majority of fans don’t want him there so his only way out is to prove he can be a decent player & get clubs interested in him again.
Conversely Juventus haven’t rubberstamped the Melo deal surely time is there for AW to throw a spanner in the works ( if he is really interested that is !)
England were piss poor in the 1st test.they should have lost imo.They need some change for the nxt test – maybe get in Harmison(?)
song will only be a CB if we get a new partner for cesc
wht is it tht i am hearing abt veloso being avaiable for jst 10m…he is good and we could raise the money frm song to man city who will almost definitely overpay for him
Gazzap, I’m not trapsing through the archives to find it… but he’s said on numerous occasions he sees Song as a centre back… and he played him there towards the end of the season when he had other options… not to mention in the Carling cup.
if at all we are looking for matuidi..the price DOESNOT seem to be just 2.5 million pounds…some news puts it up till 10mil pounds….he was one of the best league1 players
Pedro. Why must Song play in the centre of defense for him to buy another midfielder? I believe Song will be used as a DM, or a backup for both positions if we get another DM. As you rightly pointed out, he spent a lot on Vermaelen, so he will likely start, so that leaves Toure and Gallas, which of those is he going to put Song in front of?
He will be used as needed, but he will more likely be needed at DM in my opinion
I agree with you Pedro , shifting song back enables Wenger to open up a midfield slot and thus go for that signing.
But i fear that if he continues to be unsuccessful in the persuit of this player ( like Melo this year and Alonso last) he might shift Song back to the midfield department as he already has surplus CB atm.
Good post geoff.What annoys me the most is his substitutions.Timing and personnel wise kept getting it wrong last season.Hope it will change this season
djourou is probably in front of song at CB as well.
song will be 2nd choice DM (if we get a new one) and 4th or 5th choice CB.
ramsey is never gonna be a holding midfielder
Wenger’s next signing is still in its host
morning guys
HB, becuase if he buys another centre midfielder we’d have massive over crowding…
Song, Denilson, Diaby, Ramsey, , Nasri.
By moving Song into the centre of defence, he frees up a space. Wenger has already shown everybody who he favours in the holding role out of the current crop… and he played him their for the CC and the last couple of games of the year.
I still think Toure will end up leaving and I’m not sure if Wenger rates JD (Injured, poor form). It wouldn’t surprise me if Song went straight in at number 3 as he is pretty handy in the air.
We’ll see though…
i think MELO is long gone,so lets forget him.i had a dream last nite that we bought Agger frm l’pool for £22m hahaha.I think we need a runner as a DM not a holding player & Cana ain’t a runner. Which leaves – Matuidi/ (Parker?)
I agree with the blolke who say Arshavin is the best payer in the league -
Any first choice X1 must have him in it imo.
As I thought… Song was played at centre back against stoke ahead of Djourrou.
For some reason, the coach really doesn’t like JD… I bet that’s the same next year.
Pedro, that’s hardly any more overcrowded than CB. Of course if Toure leaves, then Song will be a bit more likely to get games at the back in the event of injury to Gallas or Verm.
But don’t be surprised if we see him as one of two holding mids, on a couple of occasions this season. Of course i’m only going by what players we have available right now.
… and he played Song as centre back against Portsmouth.
One CB will end up leaving.Think it will be senderos or toure.Would be really nice if it is silvestre
HB, it’s not as overcrowded as the centre back role…
We’ve got Song, JD, Toure (Senderos will be sold)and Gallas for two positions.
We’ve got all the above mentioned players for one position.
Guys Ramsey is not a holding player.He is an attacking player. I dnt believe Diaby can be a holding player he is a Viera type CM or more attacking.Remember Viera played as CM while Petit/ Gilberto played as the holding player.
KM i agree we need a runner as in Matuidi/Inler etc. no worries about Melo tough , we can get him next year , he doesnt stay at any club for more than one year and with all the spotlight now on him at Juve next season we can get a chance to see what the fuss was all about. Also its not impossible for him to turn out to be complete dud for Juve. Many Good players have gone their with good reputations ( thiago from Lyon and Poulsen from Sevilla) and have ended up as failures.
When we had nothing left to play for, he got some time at CB ahead of JD and Silvestre, but there’s no way on Earth he will get in ahead of the other three
morning all…
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson has warned Arsenal against any attempt to snatch Brede Hangeland away from Craven Cottage despite the defender’s failure to sign a new contract. The Norwegian has not travelled with Fulham on their pre-season tour of Australia but Hodgson said: “He’s our player, he’s got a two-year deal.”
Could there be something here??
KM not really…
he has played in the defence!!
Pedro, that’s what i’m saying, so how does it make sense to push Song back there to “open space in MF” when it’s just as overcrowded back there? and we made a CB signing without having to open up space
Isn’t it sad that we are all clutching at straws and getting excited about a player like Matuidi. No disrespect to Matuidi, but what happened to our hopes of a big name? Isn’t it depressing!?
HB, why would he be given time ahead of JD? He hardly played last year?
I wouldn’t bet against him being put ahead of Kolo… I think our Ivorian was woeful last year and he seems to be agitating for a move away.
I think thats the main problem with our current squad , apart from the established class players , too many nearly men , who dont know their best positions and hence the confusion regarding supplements in various departments courtesy of Mr. Wenger !
HB, because Song wasn’t good enough in midfield last year… and the free space in midfield will in all likely hood, be heading to a new player… hence the Melo bid and the possible Matiudi signing.
Pedro – i dnt rate JD as well for some reason.i think he’s good as a 4th choice CB – Gallas – Verminator – Song to replace Willy. Are we going to sell Toure & Sendy? I wish the club came out & said we’r selling x y z player’s
Arse&nose… we were trying for Melo… which is a start!
Actually, I have to confess Gnarley, I’m also a closet India supporter, for ancestral reasons, but yes you lot have been the dominant force since the demise of the Windies. Anyway, I’d best stop with anymore cricket talk as I’m beginning to miss playing the game since my retirement form the first class(cough) game.
Pedro, perhaps because the boss sees him as better potential there than JD.
And i think Toure was quite solid towards the back end of the season.
Of course we can’t forget his transfer request in Jan, but even with Toure gone, It still leaves Song as 3rd choice, and he will be exactly that at DM too
KM, it lowers their value when you effectively transfer list them.
I think Senderos will end up at Villa and I think Toure will end up at City when the JT transfer falls through.
Pedro, trying and getting are different things. We always seem to try for decent names (e.g. Alonso last year) but we obviously don’t try enough because we end up losing out on most of them! Even the Arshavin transfer was almost guzzumped!
HB, like I said before… being 3rd choice CB gives you more games than being third choice DM.
Gallas is very injury prone… Denilson isn’t really.
choy @ 9.54 – who’s played in defence? Ramsey? He played at RB for Cardiff (i think) but his true position is AM – would u have Gerrard/Lampard as RB/DM when they are much better as AM?…..
A&N, I really don’t think you need a superstar name in the holding role. You need somewhere with tenacity, pace and awareness… the rest will come if they are technically gifted.
Matuidi doesn’t get me excited… but would Melo? Probably not. Did Gilberto… no.
KM, I think Rambo will be an all action ‘Super’ player… he’ll cover so much ground and give us something going forward like Paddy used to…
I can’t wait for him to grow up!
Pedro, good point.
I’m just feeling a little depressed that we always seem to go into transfer windows with big hopes and end up praying for some french u21 player instead.
Pedro, He was still given quite a few games there this season, even though Denilson was available. And like i said don’t be surprised at seeing two holding mids in certain games.
But even so, his getting games at CB, depends on Toure leaving, and us getting a DM, and various injuries. I think it’s a bit premature to say he’ll be at CB this season
Ramsey is probably not technically as good as cesc but will turn out to be a more effective player i think
Very true Arse & Nose – back in the days Wenger could get the French player out there but now we dnt have the upper hand.The market has evened out. PEDRO – hmmm i know but its so frustrating as a supporter.I’d rather that they leave on the 1st day of the transfer window so then we have clarity.
choy… the hangelannd comments could be aimed at anyone mate… until he names us as bidding or asking id take it with a pinch of salt
Ramsey reminds me of a young Stevie G, he has the passing, shooting, energy and drive. If he becomes half as good as Gerrard I’ll be happy.
the point was that he can defend, just coz gallas scores goals i wouldn’t want him to play as a striker.
Yes AT.. but he didn’t go on pre season and is stalling on a contract extension
KM, we’d all rather it that way… sadly the players we want to see leaving the club aren’t disliked because they are amazing players!
A&N, I know what you mean… but Eduardo and Sagna were relative unknowns… and I really like those two.
HB, I’m hoping that the days of two holding players are behind us. If we sort out the defence, we wont need two of them sitting there… and if we get a holding mid good enough… we wont need two to do one job.
yeh Rambo is more energetic player than Cesc.More running & shoots more too. By watching the likes of Arshavin,Rosicky,Cesc & Nasri he should improve his ‘game intelligence’.
ramsey will be a gerrard type
I get fed up with telling people that Wenger said Song will be a centre back next season, I think the main reason is he isn’t good enough to be in the midfield.
If you look on Arsenal.com you’ll see he is down as a defender, other than getting Wenger on here to tell you, I don’t know what else to do.
Unless of course Arsenal.com have got it wrong as well.
Pedro. Me too mate, but i fear that unless we do sign a decent DM, then we will be seeing it against the more physical sides
HB, I’m pretty certain we’ll have a centre mid in place by the start of the season.
choy. he didnt go because he got married, it was all previously arranged and ok’d by hodgson.
the contract is a funny one though, maybe he’s had his head turned but who knows, if we get him its gotta be the end for one of the CBs
Geoff. He can be called a CB if you prefer. I’m saying he won’t get games there. You can call him a Goalkeeper if you want
… Geoff, and the games he’s played there in front of JD.
I think we have to many choices at CB, players have to leave. 12m has to be taken for toure, one yr left on his contract and no talk of an extension. Silvestre no need to explain, sendy because he was awful for us and because he’s previously said how happy he was to be out of arsenal. That leave vermin, gallas, JD, song. Four CB’s enough?
Also Geoff, you changed your tune from when i said he was a defender, you were quick to correct me then weren’t you haha
CAN WE SNAP THIS GUY BEFORE HE GOES TO EVERTON!!!!!
http://www.imscouting.com/global_news_item.aspx?id=2562
Thanks AT .. didn’t know he was getting married.
Pato has gotten himself married too… at the age of 19!!!
No I didn’t Bill, I have said he is being put in as a centre back since Wenger said it, I may have said he can’t defend because I don’t think he can.
I can’t work out what some of you have a problem with if he’s not in midfield.
I didn’t put him in defence, the manager did.
Pedro, i hope you’re right, but i can only make assumptions based on the info we currently have
Geoff, You were quick to tell me he was a MF and not a defender when it backed up your argument about his lack of goals.
But even so. I don’t have a problem with it, i’m merely saying that he won’t be getting much action at CB, with the current squad as it is, regardless of what we label him
Good post, nice to see Arsenal so settled, and theo’s rear tyre haha!
Bill he was a midfielder when he had a lack of goals, I said he will be a centre back this season, you may not realise that this season hasn’t happened yet.
A & N – i agree his game is SO much like Gerrards,hence why Fergie was going gaga over him as well.Fair play to Wenger though,he has secured the long time success of the club,by setting up the best academy system in the country & getting some of the best potential talents around.
As for Song, i think he’ll play in the DM spot when we’re expected to defend more just like Eboue will play right-back despite being a MF according to Arse.com in more attacking matches.
Geoff, I’m saying he will be predominately used as a midfielder again this season. The same as wingers are used at full back, and centre forwards used on the wing. Just because Wenger said he sees him as a CB in the future, does not mean he will be playing there this season
Choy… thats madness!! although if he played for us it would be a good thing… get him settled down nice and quick.
i think wenger said songs long term future would be at centre back. he’ll get games in defence and DM next season cos wenger wont want to play him much less than he did this year
Also i think Essien, Makelele, Yaya could all just as easily be called CB. But i think CBs are selected on the basis of partnerships not just individual ability. That’s why we’ve bought Verm despite having good defenders in Gallas and Toure.
Bill it’s like arguing with a bird, you just won’t have it will you?
Wenger said he will be a centre back, I’m not going to say it again, if you won’t accept it then argue by yourself.
I’m off.
i reckon denilsonwill most likely play in european games or in tough away games where he will partner song in a 4-5-1 with cesc being pushed more forward and nasri/rosicky making way…
i expect song/matuidi if we get him to be the mainstay DM in the majority of games…
what i’m more interested is to see is how he is going to fit rvp and arshavin into the same team not to mention eddie rosicky nasri and walcott….
Geoff. Wenger said he sees him as a centre back in the future, that does not mean he will be getting games there this season. The same as Theo the CF is played out on the wing. What’s so difficult about that?
geoff
ManU striker Macheda had a robbery at his house y’day…. Dnt know whether to smile or feel sorry for him. PREseason is abt to start – Wenger/Gazidis need to get their skates on & get that DM before the fans get agigated & slitting their wrists
pato imo is wasting his career away at milan,..ialian football is on the decline at the moment and milan are going down too..
i love Mark Webber, you fucking beauty!
HB, we’ve been over this already…
He is actively seeking out a new holding midfielder.
He preferred Denilson last season over Song in that role.
There is massive over crowding for ONE space.
He played Song at Centre back in front of JD for the last game of the year.
All pretty good indicators that he is going to move Song into centre back.
Evo he ran Theo off the track the cheating cunt.
CANA!CANA!CANA!CANA!CANA!CANA!CANA!CANA!
http://www.imscouting.com/global_news_item.aspx?id=2562
There is no way in hell Vela’s gonna be our starting left wing, nor will Arshavin play centre mid with Cesc. You can’t play two attacking centre mid’s in a four man midfield in this day and age.
so which one of you feckers did in david bentley the other day ?
Wenger. “[When I signed him I liked] his personality, his technical quality, his composure, his strength in the one against one, the way he uses his body in the fight and, overall, his intelligence.
“He is a good centre back and he is a good central midfielder. I believe in him.”
Quotes from last season.
Almunia
Sagna-Gallas-Vermaelen-Clichy
Walcott-Cesc-Nasri-Arshavin
RVP-ADE
I think Ade is going to have a great season next year. He has something to play for and something to prove now. He’s obviously extremely unpopular to the fans and other clubs–no offers
. He is either going to win the golden boot or flop and leave in January. As far as another signing goes (matuidi, cana, inler), I dont think Wenger is going to sign anyone else. He made it clear: one or two signings in weaker areas, and they would be done in time for pre-season. By my watch, preseason started last week… Wenger trusts the development of the likes of Diaby, Song, and Denilson. Hell, remember the article about Diaby training during holiday. Midfield is already so crowded and I wont argue that denilson/song/diaby maybe arent up to par with the arsenal standard, but who knows. They might have taken a giant step from last year and with more depth and options in the squad, a change might not be crucial especially with the market being so fucking crazy due to the manifestations of satan himself over at madrid. If Wenger brings in anyone, mark my words, it will be ANOTHER CENTER BACK! Why? Silvestre might play cup games this season, philippe is on his way out, Gallas is gone next year, and Toure might have 1 or 2 years left in him. Next year, the crowded Center back position will be left to Djourou, Vermaelen, Song (maybe), Toure (maybe)… He might buy bassong or someone like that. I dont know…I guess we’ll have to wait and see. I’d bet 100 pounds Wenger wont bring in any midfielders though.
“When I put a player somewhere, I know why I do. If I play Song at centre back it is because I believe he will be a great centre back for Arsenal Football Club.
“In Song’s case, he can play in central midfield. But can he play 60 games there? I am not convinced.”
i don’t know, formula 1 never enticed me, maybe it is the fact that it isnt the best driver who wins but the person with the better car….
Pedro, let’s go over it again.
He was actively seeking out a new DM last season. Song got a couple of games ahead of Silvestre and JD, but was never played in preference to Toure or Gallas, now we have a new CB who was expensive.
All pretty good indicators that your statement “This season we have a few options, but one of them is not Alex song” might not be entirely accurate.
Regarding his development, Wenger told Sky Sports, “I read articles that stated Song was the worst signing I ever made since I am at Arsenal.
“I was one of the few people who kept faith in him. But we just needed to be patient.
“He helps the team to be well balanced because he is more defensive than the other midfielders,” he continued.
“However I rather consider him as a central defender,” the Frenchman concluded.
Pedro those quotes were from 07/08 season.
That last article was April 21st 2009… I rest my case.
Nice one Pedro!
So those quotes are ever so slightly different to
“he will play at centre back next season”
Way to quote!
another quote from last season,
“I feel Diaby will be a fantastic central midfielder, as will Song and Denilson. And we have Fabregas of course.”
you know what luke, i might just be tempted into taking up that bet with you….
Well Wenger played Eboue in MF to balance the defensive side of the game. My guess is Song will get games in CM but only in tight matches like Europe away or Brum.
Thank you Arse&Nose.
Wenger says a lot of things. But to derive from any of his quotes that he is not an option for MF next season, is very premature
Rohan – i think the Italian league will be stronger this year.Juve have a v.v.good squad now.Inter too.Milan though need something different in midfield – wingers? If they get Fabiano they’l have a good strike pair. i think we should have a post on our rivals. Maybe one post on the top3 in EPL,and then one on the top2 in La LIGA & then finally the top3 in SERIE A.It’l be interesting to look at some other teams for a day. What do u think guys? PEDRO/Geoff – What u think?
so dnilson or matuidi will be our first choice DM ???
unlikely, i owuld think wenger would have the intelligence to put someone with a bit more physical presence there..
Rohan, I’d do it. I just cant rationalize Arsene Wenger of all people spending money AFTER pre-season for an area which is already so crowded. I know the pressure is on to win trophies but, surely he’d have to sell to buy. I thought he had 13 million to work with this summer…Vermy costed 11 or so.
Jeez HB… can’t win with you can we?
If you are only going to accept in your head that he is a centre mid… there is no point in debating it, is there?
I think I’ve put a pretty rock solid case forward that he will be a centre back next year… and you’re still arguing the toss…
they have lost that one big star they had in kaka, fewer and fewer people are goingto watch the calcio this season not to mention ti is rather boring..
who the fuck is theo, is he that bloke in the shitty car that drives around the back of the field, oh yeah thats him!
you forget webber was on pole and theo whatshisname overshot the corner cause he went in too deep and forgot the brakes.
lol…..you guys have a short memory!
Italy is going to be rather quite boring next year. Juve will be fun to watch with Diego and Melo. Think they could take on inter?
I don’t really understand why everyone seems to think Song is somesort of physical beast?
Essien is a beast, Drogba is a beast… Song is not.
He is stronger than Denilson, but who isn’t?
Flamini wasn’t built like a body builder, but he got the job done.
It’s as much about mobility as it is strength when you play in that position.
i still think matuidi might come..the rumours are not dying down yet..wenger does seem to want a new DM hence the bids for melo…
i might be wrong though….however i think the 13 million is bullshit, just hte media up to thier old tricks
Luke, the daily mail said £13mill, not Arsenal.
Pedro. I am saying he is a MF option next year, contrary to your statement that he won’t be.
And what’s more, you haven’t put any sort of case to say otherwise. All you have are a couple of quotes which say he sees him as a CB, whcih Are&Nose just countered with quotes saying he’s a MF.
He is a perfectly viable option for MF this season.
Makes me laugh too!
If matuidi comes, who goes? Denilson? Surely not song? Diaby? After working so hard on holiday? If Matuidi comes, Song will definitely play Centerback especially with good ole phil leaving and silvestre taking off as well.
Almunia is eligible to be GK for England. He’s probably better than what England have, but will he be considered?