Vermaelen remains the official club captain, although he lost that role on the pitch to Arteta when he was dropped. There you go, stating the obvious just for you.
Yeah, I would agree with that. I'm unsure about Arteta though. I would imagine that Jack or even Podolski are alot more vocal, as much as I like the Spaniard he does'nt strike me as a 'Captain'. The other issue is that if we really are looking to sign a Fellaini/Wanyama type midfielder like the rumours are suggesting I would imagine Arteta may be the man to make way.
Well of course he lost the team captaincy when he doesn't play. Can't pop on for the coin toss, then run off to the bench or stands can he. You don't have a Club captain and a team captain, but you will have an order as to who captains if the club captain is not playing. I guess for you Arteta is akin to a vice captain.
At least the Spurs fan understands the set-up. If Verm got sold, there are no guarantees that Arteta would be captain.
You may have a point, although this might suggest otherwise: http://justarsenal.com/why-arteta-should-be-made-arsenal-captain/23351 "On the field, Arteta’s an inspiration – always talking to and encouraging those around him. He has the experience and ability to command the respect of every player. And his attitude is exemplary. Just listen to what he said recently in an interview posted on Arsenal.com when asked about taking on the role of defensive midfielder: “In my mind, I think ‘How can I make the players around me better? How can I make them feel more comfortable?’ I am talking about Santi, Aaron, Jack, Tomas Rosicky – players like that.” That’s captain talk. And being given the acting captain’s role in the latter part of the season has had a positive effect on his own play, indicating a footballer who relishes responsibility." That suggests he's vocal and has the qualities of a captain. As for Podolski, if he works hard every game and can last 90 minutes, perhaps he could be a captain. I agree with Wilshere, but he just seems too young for the role right now. I think it's a bit unfair to say Arteta will make way. He was played out of position and did a reasonable job. Played a little further forward, I would expect him to pick up where he left off the season before: [video=youtube;KINVsyoC1-I]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KINVsyoC1-I[/video] I think Ramsey got better in the last few months of the season, but he just doesn't compare yet. You could be right though. Arsene is known to trust in youth. Arteta's only just turned 31 though. Got a couple more years at the top.
This is really disappointing to see how quick are some of our fans to dismiss our own players who are loyal to the Club and give it all in games... Most of them are schoolboys, I guess, but anyway..
Is that a formal role? Didn't know that teams actually select them. If so, then yes akin was the wrong word to use.
I would be loyal to the club and give everything on the pitch.... it's a pity I'm ****e and wouldn't even make a non-league team.
Perhaps he could do a decent job. Im just not sure he's the 'blood and thunder' type to pick the team up when things are going badly. Well hypothetically If we signed Fellaini (and a striker - probably Higuain) I would expect our first choice 11 to look like this.. --------------------Sczezney-------------------- Sagna----Mertesacker-----Koscileny----Mon/Gibbs ---------------Fellaini-----Wilshere---------------- ---------------------Carzorla---------------------- ---Walcott----------Higuain-----------Podolski--- Now we could change our shape to accomodate different players but I think this would be the MOST likley scenario. For me threis little chance Wenger will drop Jack and I think Podolski will play a bigger role next Season. It's possible Podolski will be the one to make way and Carzorla will be pushed out to the wing but for me that would be a mistake - Santi is our best player and I would prefer he plays where he can have the biggest influence. This is providing we do land our targets in those positions.
For me that front three once again lacks creativity. It also will have the problem that Podolski/Cazorla/Higuain cannot defend.
We mainly play with 3 forwards. They ar'nt traditional wingers so there is very little ethesis on defensing anyway. This team would be fairly direct (a good thing?) but I think Wilshere and Santi give us plenty of creativity. I picked that team because I think that's the direction we will probably be headed in next Season. I doubt we will change much tactically.(and I think DM and CF are the areas AW is looking to strengthen)
I agree with TT, Cazorla is needed on the left as part of the front 3. Once Cazorla stopped playing that position like a winger, and started playing it more like a free role (like Iniesta does for Spain), he was possibly even better than when he was in the middle. Also, Wilshere is a better AM than a CM, and Arteta is a better CM than a DM. So for me, this would be the ideal first-11 to start the season: --------------------Szczesny-------------------- Sagna----Mertesacker-----Koscielny----Mon/Gibbs ---------------Wanyama-----Arteta---------------- ---------------------Wilshere---------------------- ----Walcott----------Higuain-----------Cazorla----
Speaking of Sagna I heard he has agreed a new deal, not entirely sure of the make up though I did hear he'd agreed extension to end 15/16 season...
Yeah but the point I was making is the 11 I posted are what I believe Wenger would do. (providing we actually made those signings)
thing is, having a first XI is pretty pointless as how often are there no injuries/suspensions? with 4 competitions it's a question of rotation. so arteta/ramsey/podolski/WHOEVER aren't gonna 'lose' their place in the team, they'll still play a bunch of games. this would make a bit more sense if i was more sober.
