Untold Arsenal: Arsenal News. Supporting the Lord Wenger in all he does » Next season’s squad: who we’ve got and who we need
By Leke Osmani
-Last season we performed better than the media thought we would. We came 3rd and did quite well in the Champions League. The main positive we have from last season I believe is the fact that we have seen just how powerful our squad can be. Spending millions will break the unity in the dressing room and won’t guarantee success. Most won’t agree but our squad can be the best next season, you just have to look deeper.
GOALKEEPERS
SZCZESNY- We all know what immense talent he has but he still hasn’t the ability to make it into the first team, he needs more time and mental maturity. Future number 1 though, no doubt.
MANNONE- Same as Szczesny he is too young but has talent.
FABIANSKI- He has the talent and the grit to become number 1 next season. He’s going to work hard this summer no doubt and come back stronger. Wenger believes in him, we should too. To me he could be our Iker, he has the beard…
AlMUNIA- I have a feeling that he will be leaving us. Wenger was furious with him after Ibrahimovic’s goal and hasn’t been consistent. He has surprised our defenders with some grave errors week in week out than he has baffled the opposition with world class saves.
Possible additions: Butt of Bayern Munchen, he is only going downhill after this season and would be a good reserve to Fabianski. Furthermore he would add invaluable experience to our squad.
DEFENDERS
DJOUROU- If he hadn’t hurt his knee would we all be seeing him as the long term partner to Vermaelen? Maybe. He’s tall, he’s strong and he’s young. I wouldn’t be surprised if he breaks into the first team next season. He could be the rock in the heart of our defense with Vermaelen the brains.
VERMAELEN- He is tremendous. Did very well in his first season and can only go up from here. Don’t forget his goal scoring ability. A truly brilliant signing from Arsene Wenger.
SILVESTRE- His contract is up and I would be surprised if Wenger renewed it. He isn’t the leader Sol is and I don’t think he has that big of an impact on the younger players. Probably won’t be seeing him in an Arsenal shirt next season.
GALLAS- Still hasn’t left and he might not. But with Djourou back would he be happy as a benchwarmer? He could cause disruption in our squads harmony and that isn’t what a squad with high ambitions need. Still top class though.
TRAORE- Some may think he is going Paris Saint-Germain but I don’t think he will be allowed too. If Clichy and Gibbs get injured, we’d be in a bit of a pickle. Not the best defensive wise but he is lighting fast and could mature into a good squad player.
GIBBS- This guy could make a breakthrough next season. Being young and all, his long term injury will surely put the fire in his belly to do better. A great all-round player and I’d be surprised if he isn’t world class in a few years time.
EBOUE- You’ve got to love him. Always gives 100% and tries to make everyone happy. Won’t be displacing Sagna in my books but he is important in our squads harmony. More goals and assists from him next season.
SAGNA- Absolutely fantastic at the back. The new formation may have made it harder for him but after all the injuries to our backline he has been the mainstay. He also seems stronger to me. If he improves his crossing he could be the best right-back in the league.
CLICHY- A warrior and after his injury he has finally got to his best in the last few games. His defensive abilities and his attacking sense makes him a great part of the Arsenal squad.
CAMPBELL- Won’t be playing so much next season but he is invaluable to Arsenal. A great leader and personality for Arsenal. Hope he signs a new contract
Possible additions: Ciani of Bordeaux, he has been immense for them. Laurent Koscielny, he is 24 years old, French and would only cost around 8 million. Sounds like a Wenger deal to me…
MIDFIELD
DENILSON- Under-rated in my opinion. Not going to the world cup is certainly going to make him want to improve. He doesn’t have the fight of Alex Song but he knows when to tackle. Could be our pivot between attack and defense next season.
DIABY- Have you seen those turns? He ain’t Zizou but he has class. I truly believe he is the next Vieira. He can perform tremendously for the squad when he wants to. With competition for places being higher next season then he will “up” his game.
ROSICKY- He has lost it a bit but he is good none the less. It’s his first season back and he has done well. He can only improve next year. Though if Wenger buys a new midfielder, he could be heading out.
RAMSEY- He has tremendous hurt and passion for the game. The heir to Fabregas’ throne in my view. Though he won’t be taking that throne for a few more years. Let’s hope his recovery comes along smoothly.
FABREGAS- He is not going to leave. Barca don’t have the money and Wenger needs him now more than ever. He is seen as a role-model for the younger players and he is the best midfielder in the league. I can’t see him leave without winning a trophy. He has too much pride and is too competitive for that. El Capitano.
NASRI- That goal against Porto showed what he can do. All he needs now is to focus and have a good pre-season. He’s intelligent and will strive to be more consistent next year. He wants to be Pires, well he can surpass him. He has the potential to do so, coincidentally his manager Wenger is the best at getting players to achieve their potential.
ARSHAVIN- He is going to remain at Arsenal. He can score real crackers and can turn the game in his teams favour in one moment. He is also one of our older players so he adds experience too. If only he could keep his mouth shut though.
SONG- Our best player this season. He has improved loads, establishing himself as one of the best if not the best defensive midfielder in the Premier League. He is young too so he can surely become an Arsenal Legend.
WILSHERE- England’s next mega-star. I can see him as growing up to be a mix of Bergkamp, Fabregas and Ljungberg. Tricks, good goal scoring ability and eye for a pass like no other at the tender age of 18. The good thing is he doesn’t have to go back home to his first club, he is home. A Gooner through and through.
EASTMOND- Simple crisp passing, Wenger’s description of him. He nevers stops fighting and is excelling at the defensive midfielder role. Can play at right back too, what more could you want?
Possible additions: None
FORWARDS
VELA- Next season is make or break for him. Last season he was hampered by injuries but he will surely have a good World Cup and pre-season and come back strong. He has the talent but does the he have the attitude, we’ll know next year.
WALCOTT- I see him becoming a striker of Henry’s caliber. Speed, check. Finishing ability improving every game, check. Football brain, check. Number 14, check.
EDUARDO- He has top class finishing ability but seems to have lost his striking instincts. It’s a shame, he was going to be a great player. Though he could surprise us and regain his form for next season.
VAN PERSIE- Wouldn’t exchange him for Messi. He is divine. He completes the team. He just needs to stay fit. I’m putting my money on him for the golden boot this summer.
CHAMAKH- Great free signing by Wenger. Strength, heading ability, fighting spirit and great teamwork. Could force Wenger into going back to our 4-4-2.
Possible additions- None.
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