Just how good enough is good enough? At what point does a player become Arsenal quality? Who decides whether he is world class or just a squad player? And are these judgements set in stone, or can a player move from one state to another? These questions are prompted by two things, the first being a vague conversation I became involved in yesterday about Jack Wilshere, the second in light of the reaction to the possible re-signing of Carols Vela.
I am fascinated by Jack for a whole variety of reasons, and it is possibly easiest just to list them.
- He is only 22
- He has on occasions been hailed as England and Arsenal’s saviour
- He is capable of the most sublime football
- There is a touch of the street fighter about him
- He is a fans’ favourite
- He scored the best team goal that anyone will ever see
- Arsene Wenger has described him as one of the most talented young players he has ever worked with
- He has spent the last three seasons either injured or returning from injury
- He is no longer a favourite of all the fans and some don’t see him as an automatic starter either for The Arsenal, or, more strangely, for England
Not so long ago there would have been little debate about his quality, which would have been seen as top, top, or world class. He was our very own Superjack, and when much else in The Arsenal world was slightly rocky, that at least was certain. But now it would seem it isn’t, or at least it wasn’t to the person I was talking to yesterday, nor indeed to Stuart Pearce who pronounced that Jack wouldn’t kick a ball in the World Cup. I happen to think they are wrong, and maintain my belief that he is an outstanding talent, but the point of this post is not to argue his, or any other’s case (that can safely be left to Twitter and the comments section)but rather to explore what lies behind the judgments that are made about a player’s ability.
Clearly the proof of the pudding is in the playing, but often it is more than that, especially as only a very small number get to see players play for a full 90 minutes with their own eyes. For those that watch whole matches on the TV their view tends to be determined by the shots the cameramen choose to take, and by and large those shots follow the ball. If, say, a quarter of the value of a player to his team is what he does when he isn’t directly and immediately involved in the play, then it is clear that judgments are not based on the full story. Given that even more of those judgements are based on recorded highlights, and that those highlights rely heavily on editorial decision making, with all the bias that such selections inevitably entail, then we can see that most fans’ view of a player is already compromised. Throw into the mix the comments of pundits, who may or may not have an axe to grind (old allegiances run deep, and few past players are totally in love with their modern successors) and suddenly the claim that player X is not world class can be seen to be distorted.
The judgements become even more tainted of course when assessing the value of a transfer target, or when the player in question is being debated in the school yard (yes, I know school yards no longer exist, but what is a comment on football without an appropriate cliché), because then a kind of macho one-upmanship comes into play. Signing Vela is of absolutely no use to that kind of fan. He will not cost nearly enough money (anything under £25m these days is seen as a “Lol, poverty”), he does not come from a well-known club, he has already been dismissed as a failure once in his Arsenal lifetime, his YouTube videos are a little underwhelming, and perhaps most crucially of all, he isn’t talked about in reverential terms by those pundits who are persuaded to talk so glowingly by the agents they spend so much time with. If the dismissal of Vela can be accompanied with a sneering comment about Wenger dithering about in the bargain basement again then so much the better, especially if the twitterliverer of that comment can at the same time proclaim that only he properly understands just what players Arsenal need to even get top 4 again.
So Vela has no chance, and I suspect that a little like Giroud, even if he does come he will spend his life being criticised for what and who he is not , rather than celebrated for what he is and what he does offer. It apparently doesn’t matter that he has improved significantly, because whilst it is apparently fine to say that a player has regressed or hasn’t lived up to his potential, it is not allowed for anyone to improve. And it is that aspect that I find saddest of all, because I believe the biggest obstacle anyone can have to living their life successfully is to settle for a fixed and pessimistic mind-set. The whole basis of coaching is to help a player unlock his potential and find improvement, the whole point of training is to make progress from where you were yesterday. The best coaches dare to see the potential in players, the outstanding ones know how to help them unlock it. Choosing to adopt a growth mind-set is the most positive difference you can make to your life, whether you are a professional footballer, or gainfully employed in some other walk of life or simply waiting to leave school and to find a job that really suits you – or even, like me, just a student of the game.
If Vela returns he will be exciting, as will Balotelli (and the thought of him coming just makes me smile – I don’t think he will, but it would be kind of fun to see what happens if he does, and there is, in truth, only one manager on the planet who I would trust to get the best out of him).
Eighteen months ago, when Jack Wilshere was driving The Arsenal forward to a Third Round Cup victory over Swansea few would have imagined it was Aaron Ramsey who would make the most progress over the next year or so – but he did, and it was due to his courage and determination, but also to the unshakeable and visionary faith of his manager. I would not offer you any odds at all on Arsene Wenger helping Jack, or any of the others he chooses to sign, unleashing that potential too. And while this may well come back to haunt me, I do want to finish by saying that fitness permitting, I believe that Jack Wilshere will be as good a player as we have ever seen at The Emirates.
Today’s post was penned by @foreverheady
Positively Arsenal 
Joel
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what a pass from campbell. and what a goal! 3-1 game over!
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*coughs*
Campbell (who is quick) > Cavani ?
IBSF
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Typical Uruguay – dirty, dirty player
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Campbell MoM
Costa Rica excellent
Uruguay dreadful
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Uruguay know who to blame.
Straight red!
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Best thing that happened to Costa Rica was to go one nil down
The handbrake came off, and no one bothered to put it on again
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What a player that Joel Campbell is. Such a mature performance from a 21-year-old. He led his team, did Theo’s AND Giroud’s job today and hardly put a foot wrong! Intelligent runs, he’s strong on the ball, a good tackler, perfect decision-making, good in the air, fantastic link-up and hold-up play. I am absolutely stunned.
Dare I say it, he outshone Cavani. Is that our “new” striker right there? One goal one assist, influential throughout the game. 21. TWENTY-ONE years old.
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But how are the groaners going to deal with Joel? He was only a couple of million…I think?
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@ foreverheady, Passenal
I was trying to avoid talking about Cesc, but just one last thing. I, too, have got the impression that AW is disappointed in CF. Last summer, AW had a very smug look about him when he said Cesc was going to give his Barca career one more year. So while it isn’t odd that he is not taking Cesc post-Ozil, it is a bit odd that the Chelsea deal was concluded so quickly.
@ PG or anyone else who is on Twitter, would you ask Adrian Clarke or Geoffarsenal if there is any truth in Piers Morgan’s tweet about Cesc’s “obscene” wage demands?
And finally, I forgot to say – well hello again, Dexter.
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@ Georgaki-pyrovolitis June 14, 2014 at 10:12 pm
“But how are the groaners going to deal with Joel? He was only a couple of million…I think?”
I know – he can only be one-tenth as good as Costalot!
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@ Layksite
So was today’s performance fairly typical for JC? (ooh, look at those initials – we could have a Costa Rican Jesus as well as a Welsh Jesus!)
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Arsene said a few months ago that he was planning to bring Joel back for pre-season. I hope he meant it. He deserves a chance at Arsenal and that kicking he took tonight will be good preparation for some of the treatment that will be meted out to him in the PL.
Just watching the highlights again and I didn’t notice before that it was Cavani who gave the ball away before Joel’s wonderful assist. If he continues to play well for the rest of the tournament he’s got a promising future.
I’m enjoying this surprisingly open and entertaining world cup so far. I hope the England/Italy game keeps the trend going.
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All my friends cacked themselves when I told them Campbell is ours.
Jordon Henderson? For fuck’s same.
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I just figured out why Balotelli is so crazy. He has a lisp.
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You have a point there. Chris Eubank. Lisp. Nutter.
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I thought their goalkeeper also looked quite solid too.
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Too true FunGunner…….
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So far this game is keeping up with the entertaining attacking standard, which is very unusual for England/Italy.
Not only is JC a talent on the pitch, he also seems quite sensible off it too
“Today was excellent for me but it would have come to naught without the contribution of my colleagues,” the Arsenal youngster added. “Everyone lived up to their responsibilities. I tried to do my best to score goals and my colleagues supported me.
“We have to take one step after another. We have difficult matches ahead but this will give us impetus.”
Sounds like an Arsenal player.
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Surprisingly open at the back for the Italians.
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Kind of fizzled out after a promising start, but much better from England compared to the turgid stuff of yesteryear!
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1-1 for the Arsenal (JC for Costa Rica vs JW for England). I am loving Joel Campbell. The boy took a licking and kept on ticking. He is going to be huge for us.
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Hey FG!
Great game from Joel tonight, here’s hoping he can reproduce that and give himself a shot in the AFC first team.
As for Mario B, I understand that in the past he has let himself down, been too individualistic (altho for a striker that isnt the worst trait to have!). And him signing would be dependent on him following through (ooh matron) with his comments about settling down and working hard.
As for England; well, its clear no matter how piss poor they play Rooney and Gerard get free passes. Gerard in particular, alongside henderson are just ineffectual. I would drop Stevie (not gonna happen) and play Henderson, but remind him his role is to just sit tight in front of the back four and forget the Gerardesque hollywood balls.
Wilshere should partner henderson (aint gonna happen!), with Sterling one side and the Ox on t’other.
But the main issue is that defence, not helped by those infront granted. But Italy got at us in dangerous areas without much craft or endeavour, which is a real worry, especially if Suarez is fit..
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Gawd help us if Serge Aurier has a half decent game…
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Dex: Serge Aurier had two crosses leading to goals after doing shit for the previous 60 minutes. Cue the clamor to sign him but I am not convinced.
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Aurier is bright going forward but suspect defensively. Santos-like and we all know how much patience fans had for him.
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I can see OG devouring those crossses, though, Shotta. Uchida is also linked with Arsenal. He’s pretty good too.
I maintain that Rooney is a waste out on the wing. He has to bein the middle with Sturridge, Sterling on either side of him and Jackie in the hole.
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African fans are the best. The Ivorians spent the entire game dancing and singing.
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Aurier’s price just went up. Two brilliant crosses saved the match for CIV. excellent matches, great WC start and very fine Arsrnal at WC day with Campbell performance and A rumoured target in Aurier excelling. I hope the deal is already agreed!
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Shotta, he had 7 or 8 brilliant crosses in the game and defended reasonably well while playing good possession. I don’t see what there is not to like in a fast, young skilled RB who is versatile in 3 positions–other than that other Arsenal supporters would like to see him in a needed position with Sagna’s departure.
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Drogba changed the game. The talisman, the statesman of Cote D’ivoire. The Columbia match seems the key to the group.
I would also take Uchida over Aurier. Looks like its going to be a difficult tournament for Asia.
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I liked the way the lads played for almost an hour. Then they lost their mental sharpness and look drained of energy. Rahim is a handful. Gerard and roon a bit anonymous. All three goals quality. Pirlo? Hats off . For a mid thirtyish man he kept up and orchestrated the proceeding well for Italy. Hats off to JOEL also. The kid bagged himself a most important goal. Japan 2nd half bore no resemblance to the great team in 1st half. 3GS header beautiful.
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Thanks Shotta.
I think as usual the media are going way overboard with their praise of Sterling. He looked dangerous first half, but fizzled out in the 2nd, culminating in a series of horrendously skewed crosses/shots.
Rooney’s performance was typified by THAT corner kick! He is just way too selfish a player to put in a shift defensively for England (which is weird because I have seen him bust a gut for ManU, chasing back etc).
Someone please explain to me what Gerard/Henderson did well, if anything.
And I thought Baines was supposed to be a good defender. There was me worried about Glen Johnson’s defensive frailties.
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Yes the decision to not include the pact LB who has excelled in the CL and quite often this season had to cope with a half fit Plodders (who himself has recovered and could have a role in the tournament for Germany) in front of him seems inexcusable from the England management: Gibbs. An exceedingly bizarre omission.
That and Gains’ thoughts at 03.51 seem obvious to little old me. On top of that it was the loss of Chambo and Wally (England could’ve done with his finishing and assists…) that did for England, and they only have Mike Riley to blame for that (IBSF).
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pacy > pact
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Fins
Yep, I agree with you on all that, particularly the loss of Theo. England could have scored 2 or 3 goals with better finishing and/or more accurate crosses/cut backs.
But as a Gooner, I am glad he and Gibbs are getting rested and rehabilitated for the upcoming season.
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Seems there’s a difference of opinion viz a viz young Surge Aurier!
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Phil Neville on the box, Gary Neville on the bench, the prospective Utd teenager included in the squad as a sweetener? Phil Neville only helped take Utd from 1st to Seventh or Sixth what is he doing in the commentary box, after the season he’s just had he should be hanging his head in shame (Fellani).
I suppose this line of thought also explains Welbeck starting ahead of Lallana as well with the two Arsenal attckers out. These kind of things do happen with national teams (Holland, Cameroon…all kinds of stuff!), it’s not unheard of.
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True Dex.
Walcott probably won’t be fit or sharp till October odd, and Gibbs will hopefully react to his inexcusable omission the same way Walcott did to his when Capello chose the rusty, useless and completely out of form for several years (as in he’d gone…the way of Bentley) Wright-Phillips over him. Was that Baldini trying out his new Capello Index on old Fabio before he unleashed it against Levy last summer*. We have seen some genuinely odd and questionable selections from England managers, usually involving the omission of Arsenal players. I can’t help but notice!
* “trust me, Soldado boss. He’s the one. Lamela? People will be saying ‘who is Bale?’ £30M is a bargain for this player, I know we missed out on the Gazprom player so that money must be burning a hole in your pocket. Just hurry up and sign the check, we don’t won’t to get gazumped by Gazprom again. Hurry up!” – lest we forget many of our ‘high profile’ Groaners, writing for dodgy uncredible news papers on occasion, or just copy and pasted to make up cheap ‘news’ feed/screed, were staunch admirers of Levy last summer. Their words, not mine.
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Just seen the MOTD highlights and Campbell seems to have announced himself in a fairly spectacular way. It was nice to hear him called “The Arsenal man” but I wish they would acknowledge the work permit issues rather than subliminally suggesting that we didn’t recognise what a good player he was.Hard to tell about Aurier as they only showed two crosses but I am guessing that AW has long since made up his mind about him and we will find out what he thinks soon enough. Likewise with Balotelli, although heaven knows whether he is a genuine target or not. Tonight we get to see the French in action and I hope to see Giroud start and show that he is world class too (I think he is and sense the very best is still to come) and tomorrow it is Germany and perhaps an opportunity for Podolski to remind everyone what a clinical and impressive finisher he is – and, of course, for the most talented attacking midfielder in world football to strut his magical stuff.
I think what I am getting at is what a difference just one round of proper World Cup action can make. Back on Thursday it was all gloom and doom because Chelsea had signed Costa and Fabregas whereas Arsenal were clearly lacking in ambition. By the end of tomorrow it is entirely possible that the leading World Cup scorers and assisters are all already playing for Arsenal or are heavily and realistically linked to the club.
And given that AW has yet to reveal and capture his number one target for this summer who will be on a par with Ozil in terms of serious intent then all things considered there is plenty to be positive about. But then we already know that don’t we!
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I watched the game in the pub. Big mistake, haven’t a clue what went on.
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Fins;
I am sure they signed Lamela based putely on the Whoscored?com stats! Because I ran the rule over him when he was still in Serie A and he looked awesome! Hadnt seen him play one minute obviously, but, you know…. his stats looked just blinding guv!
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foreverheady
I noticed that about the comments about Campbell not getting a look in at Arsenal. Very lazy at best.
Also the amount of times I have seen or heard comments about how Wenger doesnt play Podolski! Errrr, he was injured for half the season and lo and behold ended the season with about 25 appearances. So, yeah Wenger! Bloody play him! And another thing while I am at it; every goal Lukas scores (from the left), there will inevitably be a snide comment about how he has somehow showed Wenger he should be playing as the central striker! Pffft.
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Limestone – I am always leery of hyped players so that may influence my caution with Aurier. But for that goal scored by Japan he created the space for Honda to exploit by inexplicably vacating the inside-left zone. Poor defending.
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Its interesting that there were 2 RBs linked with Arsenal on show in one game. While I have read glowing reports about Aurier’s defensive nous, Uchida has been criticised for being defensively suspect.
I think at 21 which gives him time to develop and improve (but wouldnt we need him to hit the ground running?) and given he played half last season at CB and can also operate in midfield, the Ivorian would make a better signing.
I do think Jenkinson will be 1st choice come August though. And I like the idea of him on one side, Kieran on the other, with Ramsey, Wilshere, Ox and Theo in there too!
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Dexter, where do you see Jack playing? I’m struggling to find a starting place for him.
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George; I am struggling too. Unless he can be convinced his best position is in the Arta role, then he will struggle.
He isnt productive enough to play where Özil/Cazorla/Ox can in the number 10 position, he isnt really quick enough to play wide either, although he has done.
So, he is either Ramsey’s cover or be converted to a much more disciplined defensive minded midfielder. He could be excelllent there, as he has the vision and technique and passing ability of Mikel and the tenacity and energy of Flamini.
But most of all, he needs to stay injury free for most, if not all the season.
It’s also good that already he has made Stuart Pearce look even more stupid by playing!
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Re Jack: as Dex said above for England he should be the ten. Roy seems to have him as cover for either if the CM roles at the moment, which is crazy to me given how green his other preferred options are there: I thought the convention was the best and most experienced players play there, like, Özil at Arsenal! He’s not fully fit so as Arsenal fans we don’t mind him not being risked, got those CL qualifiers to come.
Let him have an injury free season, he’ll find his way at The Arsenal.
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Corr:
…given how green Hodgson’s preferred options at AM are at the moment. In my humble and useless opinion Strling and or Barkley (with others out injured) should’ve started elsewhere on the pitch.
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Jack hasn’t fully evolved yet, when he stays fit for a while and grows into a position Arsene finds for him it will seem like he’s been there forever. When a player is young you have to remember them at their best and not at their most erratic, cesc ,Theo , Aaron and many others have come through this. Jack doesn’t need to play every game at the moment but needs to play well when he does play.
Isn’t it ironic after all the the talk of cashley, Baines or Shaw it turns out the player who regular patrols the whole left side on his own, many times outnumbered, without protection is Kieran Gibbs. I’m sure he would have dealt with Italy alot better than all the options we tried yesterday, he has a knack of knowing whether to stay or go when faced with two players. He could of even sat in front of Baines if needed. I think he has suffered from the whole ARSENAL can’t defend thing. Same as Kos by the look of it.
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