versatile Archives - Arsenation

GIROUD | PODOLSKI | AND WHAT EXACTLY THEY BRING TO THE EMIRATES?

Guest Columns, Latest News, Main Blog 3 Responses »

Jun 252012

The simplest answer to the heading has to be goals. And lots of them. But lets see what roles they’ll be playing at Arsenal.

Lukas Podolski is the first one we’ll look at. Arsenal confirmed the signing of Lukas from FC Koln for an undisclosed fee, rumored to be in the region of £10.6M. Lukas has played on the left of the front three for most of his career. That’s where I think wenger will deploy him at AFC. He can also play up top with a strike partner or on his own, although we haven’t seen much of him as a lone striker. He has been a regular at Cologne and Germany since 2003 and had a 3 year stint at Bayern Munich from 06 to 09. He scored 46 goals in 81 games in his first spell with Cologne, and 33 in 88 in his second spell. At Bayern, he is deemed as a failure as he only managed 15 goals in 3 years.

But let’s focus on his most recent form at Cologne. He’s been a regular goal threat for a team who was fighting relegation for most of the season. So what he brings to Arsenal?? The answer is Simple. He comes with Pedigree, international experience, amazing work ethic, goals, assists … and a great lad to have around in training and in the dressing room. He’s a more refined left sided Theo Walcott IMO. With a footballing brain, that is, as some pundits might suggest. Arsenal have lacked a regular goal scorer from the left wing of late. Arshavin, and most recently Gervinho have failed to live up to those expectations. So hopefully, he’ll score some valuable goals for us.

And what we have seen at the euros, He’s a team player who tracks back and helps his full back out. Something Arshavin failed to do on a regular basis. In Poldi, we’ve got an international proven goal scorer, with a great attitude. Credit must also be given to Wenger for tying him up early. Great bit of business. Cheerio.

Now, on to our latest capture, Olivier Giroud. Ok ok, he isn’t confirmed by Arsenal.com yet, but the deal is all but done. It cost us around £12.6M to acquire the services of Montpellier’s top scorer who will sign a 5 yr. deal pending a Medical at London Colney.

I have only watched him on YouTube to be honest, but I’ve contacted some Gooners who closely follow the French League, MHSC games to be precise. Olivier Giroud,26, scored 21 goals last season and won the French golden boot award . Now again, the same ol question, What does he bring to Arsenal? Hmmmmmmmm, wait, looking for a suitable word..ah, yes. It’s called plan B. The same plan B all Gooners said we lacked. Stoke Rugby Club. Beware.

At 88 kg, 6 ft.3 in tall, He utilises every inch of that frame. He won 70% of the aerial duels last season, more than any top 4 striker in the to 5 leagues across Europe. His hold up play is among the best, brings other team mates into the game, which is indicated by his 9 assists last season.

And the best thing is…He never fails to shine in big games.

I guess the first line of the blog was quite appropriate.

Hope you liked reading,

@L_KoscielnyFans.

Check out the NEW Arsenation Store – Custom Arsenal covers for over 500 smartphones. www.store.arsenation.co.uk

Clint Dempsey Set To Join Arsenal This Summer?

Guest Columns, Latest News, Main Blog No Responses »

Jun 052012

With the transfer window officially open every Arsenal fan will be eager to find out who else the club will be signing this summer, following Germany star Lukas Podolski’s recent arrival from Cologne. The latest reports suggest that Arsene Wenger is ready to make a move for Fulham’s ambitious American International Clint Dempsey. Fulham are desperate to hold onto one of their prized assets but if one of Europe’s elite clubs offer Dempsey the chance to play in the Champions League they will face a very difficult task persuading him to stay. It is also important to consider, the fact that Dempsey has only one year left on his current Fulham contract and Fulham will not want to risk losing a player of his quality on a free transfer next season. Therefore, in my opinion, there are two options on the cards for the talented playmaker: he will either extend his contract with Fulham or leave the club in search of pastures new in the very near future.

Who Is Interested In The Talented American And Why?

The American has been impressive form of late, scoring 17 goals in the Premier League over the course of the 2011/ 2012 season. He has been a consistent performer in the Barclays Premier League for the past few years now and he can boast 36 goals in his last two seasons for Fulham. His performances have alerted a whole host of other European clubs including: AC Milan, Liverpool and Manchester United. Moreover, Arsenal will therefore face strong competition from rival clubs if they wish to acquire the talented American’s services. The players versatility and work rate make him an interesting proposition for any club. He can play anywhere across the midfield or upfront and has grown from strength to strength at Fulham having emerged as one of the Premier Leagues star performers. In addition to this, with only one year remaining on his contract reports suggest that the 29 year would be available for a fee in the region of £7- £12million pounds although, Fulham are reluctant to sell the Yank.

Furthermore, the USA International had this to say on his future: “The transfer window is open until August 31 – it’s no secret that I would like to play Champions League one day in my career. What I do is focus on the teams that I play for and I give my heart to them, work as hard as I can to try to make the most of my time and make the most of the career that I have left”. In additional to this, USA International boss Jurgen Klinsmann has also backed the players strong desire to experience playing in the Champions League next season, after recently stating “If you play consistently at the highest level then offers will come in. I think everybody is aware of that. His goal is the right goal, we have often discussed it”. Such advice as this from a German legend who had tasted Champions League football as a player many times throughout his career will only further frustrate Fulham’s attempts to keep hold of arguably the West London clubs best player.

In my opinion, signing an in form, experienced and versatile player of Dempsey’s quality could only be viewed as a positive move for Arsenal F.C. He is a hardworking, determined footballer whose goal scoring prowess would benefit Arsenal greatly and ease the pressure off Robin Van Persie in the goals department further, if the Dutch International remains at Arsenal in the foreseeable future. Established Premier League players come at a premium but because of Dempsey’s contract situation he will be available for a very reasonable sum of money. Yet, it is important to consider the fact that the player is 29 and unproven at the highest level of European football. However, playing football next season alongside the likes of Alex Song, Podolski, Jack Wilshere and several others could improve the players performances greater still under the guidance of Arsene Wenger.

Please follow me on twitter @JasonBoyne94

Do You Think Arsene Wenger Should Make Clint Dempsey’s Dream A Reality?

Do You Rate Dempsey Football Fans?

Feel free to comment below, all feedback is appreciated! I hope you enjoyed reading my article.

IF you would like to view some of my other football articles available on the site then please copy and paste the links below into your web browser:

http://www.arsenation.co.uk/it-is-now-official-podolski-will-join-arsenal-this-summer/

http://www.arsenation.co.uk/olivier-giroud-on-his-way-to-arsenal-this-summer/

It Is Now Official Podolski Will Join Arsenal This Summer! What Will He Bring To The Table?

Guest Columns, Latest News No Responses »

Apr 302012

Today the news all Arsenal fans had been waiting for was finally revealed. Podolski will be playing in an Arsenal shirt next season! Arsenal had been continuously linked with Podolski for several months up until now, most notably in January with the club believed to of had a bid rejected. As, it was the players decision to remain with the club until the end of the season to avoid missing out on a first team place with the Germany national squad at Euro 2012. Whilst, his club Koln didn’t want to sell their star man as they battle to avoid relegation. Podolski has signed a long-term deal with the gunners for an undisclosed fee. The German international has been in fantastic form this season, having scored 18 goal in 28 league appearances for a club struggling at the foot of the Bundesliga. Podolski has also scored 43 goals in 95 games for the German international side. In my opinion, this is a fantastic signing for the club and he represents real value for money. Arsenal didn’t have to pay over the odds to complete the signing of the talented German and at the age of 26 he will come to Arsenal with experience and a determination to succeed at a big club.

Per Mertesacker is a close friend of the player and he had this to say previously about the player months before todays confirmed deal: “He has been very interested in the past few weeks and has sent me a number of text messages, I’ve told him that this is a great place to work and that Arsenal are an amazing club. Nothing has been agreed on yet, though, and Lukas hasn’t given me a ring yet.” This highlighted a clear intention from Mertesacker to encourage Podolski to join the Arsenal project and become a valuable member of the Arsenal squad and of course he took Mertesacker’s advice and has now done so.

Arsenal chief scout Steve Rowley had watched the German international several times this season, therefore the London club will have an understanding of the type of player they will be getting for the reported £8-12million fee. Although, this fee has been declared as undisclosed presently.

Lukas can play both on the wing and as a lone striker/ in a striking partnership with Robin Van Persie. This type of quality, versatile player is exactly what the club have been crying out for, over recent seasons. However, many people have raised doubts over whether the player can handle the pressure of being one of the key players at a BIG club and not the only BIG player at any particular club. This point has been raised as Podolski didn’t have the most successful of times at Bayern Munich before capturing his genuine top form at FC Koln over the past two seasons in Germany’s Bundesliga.

The club hover just above the relegation zone and for Podolski to play alongside the likes of: Robin Van Persie, Jack Wilshere, Alex Song etc. you would expect the player’s goal tally to increase significantly in the process. This would prove to be a transition from Wenger’s typical transfer policy with the club conducting its business early. If the club can clear the dead wood in the summer and sign at least two/ three more quality players then the club would be in a great position to challenge next season on all fronts.

So What Can Gunners Fans Expect If The Player Joins Arsenal?

The Arsenal fans can expect:

A prolific international striker who is at an ideal age to make his next BIG step in order to benefit his career.
The player continues to enjoy strong form stretching back to the start of last season.
Podolski is versatile and can play on both wings upfront on his own or partnered with another striker as I previously mentioned.
Pace, good control and an eye for goal.
A player motivated at this stage of his career to succeed and win trophies. He is hungry for success and wants to play alongside great players who can complement him.
An adequate partner for RVP with both players having similar important qualities: pace, hunger, good control, good striking ability and great movement. This partnership could prove to be deadly if it comes to fruition.

Please follow me on twitter! @JasonBoyne94

I hope you enjoyed my article. Please feel free to leave any comments below football fans…