Crying over spilt milk
ByI have a confession to make. I like Alex Hleb. I like the way he seduces the ball, the way he dribbles and carries it past opponents as if they weren’t there. I like the way he opens tight spaces and creates a move out of nothing.
During the 2007-2008 season, Arsenal had a magnificent start and it was primarily due to the industry of Mathieu Flamini, Tomas Rosicky and Alex Hleb. They created an environment that allowed Cesc the maestro to flourish and it was a joy to watch. When Hleb eventually declared his intention to leave at the end of that season, it was a sad state of affairs for me at least.
Alex Hleb
We had already seen mercenary tendencies infiltrate our team with Flamini deciding that there was greener grass elsewhere, and Emmanuel Adebayor also testing waters with the “Beyonces” of the continental leagues. I wanted Hleb to stay at Arsenal, but it turned out that the lure to Barcelona was too much for Hleb.
It therefore saddens me whenever I read a story of Hleb expressing regret about leaving Arsenal. With us, he had a sure starting place, talented team players and an opportunity to thrive. At Barca, Hleb did no more than warm the Barca bench and it was sad to see him get wasted as Barcelona pulled in a haul of trophies in the season passed.
Hleb laments:
owe him a great deal. No player ever gets worse under Wenger. I developed a better all-round game under him. I became more robust physically.”
Sorry Alex, but you made your bed. It’s time to lie down. Besides, you made way for a one Samir Nasri and it’s hard to see how you’ll take that place back from Samir.
Tue 13th September 2011; 19:45, Dortmund
You are very right. I also liked Hleb. I was very upset with him, and more so with Flamoney for leaving us due to greed; very upsetting. Anyway, we have accept his loss. He should accept it as well. Time for him to move on and not dwell on the past.
LRV.
Isn’t it interesting how those who leve Arsenal find it difficult to make it elsewhere? Makes you wonder whether their perceived “talent” only shines when playing Wengerball with others from the same school.
very few players have gone on and taken other leagues by storm after leaving the Arsenal.
He still has Arsenal in his heart. It was London and probably the frustration of missing out on the championship that year that got to him. I will still take him back gladly as he left with no animosity. And plays with such beauty. He looks like he’s added some speed at Stuttgart also.
The Brain. He is most definitely in his prime and it’ll be good for him to find a place where he can flourish. His type of play is an asset to any team.
I know he’ll receive a favourable response from gooners if he ever returns to play against Arsenal.