Monday, July 23, 2007

The crazy season continues

I decided to throw some thoughts on the recent transfers and player moves since a couple of stories peaked my interest. The first is one that my father pointed out - http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,22101756-2883,00.html

So the wizz kid from Australia, not a football hotbed but a nation with some solid talent - Kewell and Viduka come to mind. But it appears as if this 9 year old caught the attention of Manchester United and they have invited him to their training center. The reason this caught my eye was I find it funny that Freddie Adu, who has all the hype was not asked to stay at Manchester United while a 9 year old is asked to relocate from half way around the world. He might be the next star or yet another promising youth that ends up working at a pasty shop. Either way I find it funny that the US hyped Freddie Adu, supposedly the next Pele could not stick with the reserves at Manchester United but some 4-grader from down under is asked to stay.

Another story caught my eye and that was Freddie Ljungberg signing with West Ham. He is another addition to a moderately aggressive moves by West Ham - Faubert, Parker, Bellamey and Wright. Freddie also expressed some frustrations with the actions or non actions by the north Londoners. With Henry leaving and no subsequent move of note, it appears all is not well at the Emirates. The lose of the Swedish captain coupled with the lose of Pires prior to last season, depletes Wenger of two important midfielders/wingers for Arsenal. This makes the inability to sign Ribery that much more painful.

I also read a rumor that Wenger might be open to letting his talismatic Spaniard Cesc head to Real Madrid as long as he could secure Robinho in return. Not sure I would like that move. While Robinho is a huge offensive talent and had a great Copa America, I am not sure he is the answer to your striker needs. In addition, losing Cesc would open a gaping hole at midfield, unless Wenger sees Diaby as the replacement...and as much as I like Diaby he is not the answer for that role. And I am not sure Robinho will shine in the more physical Prem, if Baptista complained about the physical nature of British football what would the smaller Robinho make of it?

Arsenal appear to be treading water once again if not sliding down further into the mid-table. Come on Wenger pull another trick out of your bag of tricks, give us some hope that you are not playing for 3rd place or worse a UEFA spot!

1 comment:

SSJ said...

Sorry, but lamenting the loss of Freddie is overkill. Did you watch him the last two years? He was horrible, truly horrible. Getting any money for him was a miracle, seriously.

Arsene has trimmed the fat, and I think the squad will be better for it. Huge Ewing Theory potential as well.