It’s a Sol Comeback
ByIs it a stroke of genius to re-sign the former Arsenal vice captain, or a pragmatic move by a froogle manager who needs a job done? We’ll only know that answer in May when honours and trophies are being divvied up.
Two things are not in question. Firstly, there is absolutely no way Wenger would contemplate signing a player who is not going to hack it in the most unforgiving league in the world. The fact that for the last 3 months Sol Campbell has been training day in day out with the Arsenal squad has given the staff at London Colney the opportunity to assess Sol’s fitness and performance, and clearly they think he’s up to the job.
Secondly, in a world cup year, it’s hard to find any defender or player worth their salt who will be willing to sit on the Arsenal bench hoping for a game if and when Gallas and Vermaelen are not available for any reason. Senderos was not allowed to leave following Djourou’s injury and until Djourou returns around March or April, Sendy and Sly have provided back-up cover. We have been very lucky that Gallas and Vermaelen have played every minute of every game in the league and we haven’t had to call on the backups. With Senderos openly expressing his wish to leave Arsenal for regular football elsewhere, we are extremely thin when it comes to cover in the central defence area.
If only for the above 2 reasons, I think Campbell’s return on a performance related pay contract for the rest of the season is a shrewd and pragmatic move. He can plug a hole if and when needed as Djourou makes his way back, and more importantly, his presence and experience in and around the dressing room is invaluable. And I doubt if he’ll mind warming the Arsenal bench.
My sense is that because he has been training with the lads for so long, he will have already built a great rapport and camaraderie with the boys, and his signing will seem like a natural progression. This will be Wenger’s first time to re-sign a player he has let go, and for me, it illustrates Wenger’s ability to be pragmatic and sensible when a few adjustments have to be made to help push the team forward. Vermaelen and Gallas are doing a fantastic job, but there will come a time when cover is needed for whatever reason, and Sol’s the man. I doubt if we can find a bench warming defender who can plug the gap for a period of 6 months. It also takes the pressure off Johan Djourou when he comes back and gives him the space to slowly integrate back into the team.
The question will of course be raised as to whether Sol is past his ‘best before’ date. I think it’s fair to say that Sol has convinced the team at London Colney that he’s not past his best, and credit to him for showing this level of commitment. Of course he won’t be used in the most intense high paced games we have unless he has to come in, but even then, what he lacks in verve, his footballing intelligence will amply suffice. In a season where his experience, professionalism and leadership on and off the pitch will add significant value to this squad, Sol Campbell does have a place in the team for the rest of the season.
Tue 13th September 2011; 19:45, Dortmund
It’s a shrewd move, make no mistake. Having trained for 2 months Wenger will know all about his fitness, and as you say who else could be signed in a world cup year that would be happy to be a third choice defender. That said i’m still expecting Sol to have a disallowed goal in the world cup semi final this summer.
It’s fantastic that he’s back and I’m sure he’ll get a few games for us.
Nice post Darius.
It’s less his fitness, and more his fortitude that worry me: The circumstances of his exit from Arsenal were quite dismal.
But, Wenger, one imagines, would have been meticulous with his appraisal. I hope it works out well all round.
That said, no questions about his talent and experience.
Let’s hope he has sorted his head out, it was sad to see, supposedly had a bit of an episode. Does anybody know details of his departure?
So how about a similar deal for Henry to get relief for our Striker situation. Tie us over until RvP is back, Eduardo back to best (as he is practically now), NB fit and Vela and the youngsters can come of age (all being shown the Henry wizardry).
That would be perfect, and no other large signings will be needed for a very long time from what I can see, unless any departures occur.
Off the field family related incident(s) was responsible for Sol’s near-breakdown that led in part to his departure. He needed to clear his head in a different environment. Portsmouth afforded him that opportunity. His performances at portsmouth speak for voluminously for him. Anyway, it is a shrewd move by Wenger to get such quality backup; and not one that will create ego clashes or disruptive influences.
Was it all about his brothers assault and the ‘rumours’?
The signature is inspired.
What do people think of the Adebayor arsenal shirt incident.
Els;
That cunt is even more stupid than I thought. Wearing the shirt will only add more to the bashing and warm welcome we gunners will have for him. He’s a coward who’s starting to realize the truth – that Arsenal was the reason why he is where he is now, a bit too late I feel.
I feel very sorry for what happened in Angola but it doesn’t negate the demeaning things he’s done against the club and its fans.
PS: Sol’s deal is brilliant. I just wish Wenger could do it a couple times more in the past, but he’s the manager and I’m not…
ELS.
I wouldn’t put it past Sol to give Capello a selection headache. With Ferdenand being crocked, John Terry is the only dependable defender out there and Sol can plug a hole when needed. As long as he is fitter than a butcher’s dog and remains sharp, his experience and intelligence on the pitch will do the rest. If Capello can give Beckham cameos when a good proportion of England fans think he’s past it, then he surely can give Campbell a chance to plug the holes in central defense.
I’m not that worried about his mental fortitude. Issues off the pitch affected him 4 years ago and he seems to have got over them. Whenever I watched him play for Portsmouth, I always felt that he and Distan put in a full shift and he looked sharp. Pace is not a issue for him, but I think accelaration is if and when he comes across pacy attackers, but what he lacks in the lift off, his footballing intelligence will cover.
I think though, that his biggest influence will be in the dressing room and to provide that leadership and calmness. There are still issues in the team e.g. getting better at closing out tight wins or knowing when you have to setttle for a draw because its pragmatic – and his experience will count in such situations.
As for Titi, I doubt if Barca will let him go for anything. Wenger was asked after the Everton game whether Bendy’s return means that he won’t sign a striker and his answer was No, he’s still looking out there and if we find someone we will bring him in.
I think what is telling is that in the summer, Wenger tried to sign Chamakh but refused to be bullied into a price he didn’t think was worth it for a player who will be out of contract. That suggests to me that he still wants an option in attack.
I still maintain that if Bendy and Eduardo are in form, I’d rather have them playing than buying an off the shelf option. But if we can find someone to add value to the squad (someone who is better than who we have), then by all means.
As for Adebayor, let’s not begrudge a fan from wearing an Arsenal replica shirt….LOL! Man City will be pissed off though.