Wenger – "The Youngsters Are Close To Being Ready"

Arsène Wenger has challenged the star performers from Saturday’s 2-1 win over Barnet, by claiming many of them are “close” to breaking into his first team plans for the coming season.

Speaking in his after match interview, Wenger hinted that several of the top talents at the club could be ready to offer something towards next seasons title push, with the Frenchman holding out special praise for first half hero Aaron Ramsey.

“Ramsey did OK. He looked a bit tired because he works very hard, of course it’s a big change for him, but he did OK,”

“He is in the plans like all the players today. It depends on the performances and their quality and you could see that some young players could be very close to the first team.”

These latest comments suggest both Wenger and the Academy directors have back-tracked on the potential release of several younger starlets, and will instead give everybody a chance to work towards the first team.

The ultimate aim for the Reserve boys is to travel with the first team as they jet out today to first Hungary, and then to the traditional training camp in Austria. Wenger is set to take many of them this year having only used just one or two in recent years.

Nacer Barazite scored the match winner against Barnet on Saturday, and with UD Salamanca set to snap him up on loan, it seems unlikely he will be travelling despite another impressive performance.

Kieran Gibbs and Fran Mérida have both been away with their countries, but after being eliminated from the Under 19 Euro Championships last night, they will both return to the club in the next day or two. Gibbs is another expected to complete a loan move in the coming week.

Article By – J.Sanderson

123 thoughts on “Wenger – "The Youngsters Are Close To Being Ready"

  • July 21, 2008 at 12:49 pm
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    good article.has anybody got any pics of nasri in training yet

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:00 pm
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    Something has to give in my opinion. We are in great danger of creating a backlog of talent. Now i’m not suggesting any rash decisions or anything based on a few pre-season games but we certainly need to be more cutthroat over the coming year in a bid to bring the best players through. Moving Hoyte on for example is a pointless exercise as we don’t have anyone better than him coming through. We need him in the squad, but for Denilson, Rosicky, Senderous, Djourou among others this is a massive year for them. Call it make or break.

    Not moving on enough or the right players will as Wenger put it kill the development of some talented players. My worry is that Wenger can be a stubborn man and won’t cut ties with some of the loyal first team members.

    Denilson, Rosicky

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:01 pm
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    JS who apart from Ramsey do you think he was referring to? Lansbury, Nordveit and Randall maybe?

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:03 pm
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    Great news, the prospect of seeing these kids break into the first team is very, very exciting indeed. Seems like we’ve been waiting so long, but many of them are still barely out of their teens. I’m slightly concerned that maybe we’re jumping the gun with some of them a bit too early, but I fully trust that there’s no one better to judge who’s ready and who’s not for the team than Wenger.

    In the Official Arsenal Magazine, there’s a little interview with Henri Lansbury, and one of the questions is Where Do You See Yourself In 5 Years Time? His answer is simple, “CAPTAINING ARSENAL AND ENGLAND” Now that’s the attitude I like :)

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:04 pm
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    I really really rate Barazite. If anyone could be described as being “close to being ready”, it is him. Ramsey looks potentially top class too.

    JS your take on this?

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:04 pm
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    blackstock where do yuo buy the arsenal magazine

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:05 pm
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    Good man J, good article.
    Apart from Nordviet cant see any of the defenderss going to Hungary.
    Probably-Lansbury,Randll,Wilshire,Simpson? and Traore

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:06 pm
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    Rui Fonte for me is a complete waste of time, I thought he looked way below average Saturday, Simpson was the interesting one and seemed to offer something different up top , he was like a young K Campbell, JS what do you see happening with Simpson ?.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:06 pm
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    The fact that Nordtveit and Landsbury started first half speeks volumes as (and i cant believe how badly cliched this will sound) but it was a game of two halves. The first half, first team players and the players he obviously sees on the edge of first team football (thats Landsbury, Nordtveit, Ramsey (possibly, although he might skip reserve football all together, u neva know) and Traore.

    The Second half to look at the rest of the potential first team academy products too see who could stand out (thats Barazite, Simpson, Wilshire and Coquelin then).

    Merida and Gibbs could well have played first half if they were available. I hope Gibbs gets his loan move although personally i wouldent like him gone a whole season, although i fear thats what will happen since i think he wants to try the Simpson method of improvement. It’ll do him good but ill miss him :(

    Barazite will also benefit from a loan move, although ill miss him too and personally i feel he’s ready for the Carlin Cup, although how he’d get a game i duno (considering the compatition for his position).

    Its great they arent releasing any1 as another season is a long time in youth development and players can suprise you with how much they develope, especially around the age of 18-19.

    Last thing (i know ive written too much…apologies), Has Van Den Berg gone yet J? And do you think Gilbert has ben given a last chance or is he just on a loan move thats almost certain to leed to a perminant switch?

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:07 pm
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    “These latest comments suggest both Wenger and the Academy directors have back-tracked on the potential release of several younger starlets, and will instead give everybody a chance to work towards the first team.”

    They have not back-tracked, they never said those comments in the first place. It was you that suggested they would get rid of a few players due to others overtaking them.

    Reply
  • July 21, 2008 at 1:07 pm
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    Ben Jones – I agree, we must have around 40 players who are ready to play in the Under 18’s, Reserves.

    JohnV – I think we was talking about everybody mate, everybody who played against Barnet will get a chance.

    Blackstock – Hahah!

    Reply
  • July 21, 2008 at 1:07 pm
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    “blackstock where do yuo buy the arsenal magazine
    Kevin said this on July 21, 2008 at 1:04 pm”

    In London you can usually find a copy in most newsagents, otherwise I suppose you’d have to subscribe to get them delivered.

    Reply
  • July 21, 2008 at 1:08 pm
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    Simpson, Wilshere, Barazite and Nordveit all deserve to go to Austria with the first team given their performances on Saturday.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:08 pm
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    Well I have to admit, I was a bit underwhelmed with Lansbury on Saturday and even Randall to a degree. But as for Wilshere, I think we’ve a star in the making there. Also Coqeulin looks a talent. Very Vieira like in the tackle and his distrubution was tidy too. If I had to pick players from that match who offered the most I’d say Wilshere, Ramsey Coqeulin and Barazite.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:09 pm
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    Cnt wait for the game tomorrow btw :)

    “Rui Fonte for me is a complete waste of time”

    Hes a technically talented and cleaver young player, like Van Den Berg before him i dont think hes fitted in however and next season he really is guna have to prove himself. Is he still off to Sporting on loan btw?

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:10 pm
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    jingen – I would yep, Barazite performs every time, his performances are top class in every game, and his attitude is fantastic.

    Johnny Maverik – Yep i believe so, He was on trial with FC Zwelle (spelling?) and was due to play in a friendly against Steve McClarens Twente.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:10 pm
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    we have got him on loan from Sporting, we don’t own him, I’d send him back , he’s never gonna amount to anything here..he’s not a goalscorer or creator, just a mincer..

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:12 pm
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    Fonte has agreed a new contract with Sporting Lisbon, and if we do not sign him next summer, he will be there player for the next four years at least.

    I think he looked very lost against Barnet, drifted out to the left and seemed like he didnt want to get involved.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:13 pm
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    “I agree, we must have around 40 players who are ready to play in the Under 18’s, Reserves.”

    They are all 14-16 yrs old, they can wait a season. The older ones will get a chance aswell, dnt u worry. Alot of the players will have loan moves next season, giving windows of opertunity to those U18s ur talking about.

    “Well I have to admit, I was a bit underwhelmed with Lansbury on Saturday and even Randall to a degree.”

    Landsbury isnt a right mid so dont hold the last game against him, hes a good player trust me. As for Randall i agree with you, but again, ive seen him do great things for the reserves so its definatly just a bad day, a one off. Niether garented to make it, but both have the potential and stand out as possibilies.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:14 pm
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    I really thought Simpson was out the door, but maybe he will get a chance to show what he can do.

    I really rate Lansbury and hope he fulfills his potential at Arsenal, along with Wilshire, Barazite, Nordveit, to name a few.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:15 pm
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    Randall seemed to try too hard to do something, he didn’t seem relaxed.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:15 pm
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    Blackstock thanks for that.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:15 pm
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    we need to play these youngsters instead of crocks like rosicky or van persie. wilshere and ramsey are the ones and they will guide us to the title. or we could bring in an experienced player in the middle someone like barry, alonso or mehmet aurelio.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:16 pm
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    Wilshire is the king thou :D future Arsenal Legend. Absolutely perfect, scores goals, close range, long range, great passing, long ball, short ball, great movement, on the ball, off the ball, great determination and a never say die attitude.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:17 pm
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    wilshere reminds me of joe cole, when he is on form that is!

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:18 pm
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    JS do you think Wenger will use Wilshire much, he clearly stood out Saturday..

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:19 pm
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    Sure they can wait, but it hampers their development. Our first year scholars would have to remain in the Under 16’s, and nobody would get promoted because of the backlog of talents.

    Eiether we will release some or loan them, or we will end up with a huge amount of players either not playing, or playing at a poor level.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:20 pm
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    i think the players who are close are Merida, Barazite, Simpson, Nordveit, Randall and Ladsbury because AW likes him. the rest didnt look good enough to be honest.
    Rodgers, both Hoytes, Agogo, Fonte, Dunne, Steer are all terrible and havent played good all the times i have watched them

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:21 pm
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    I would have thought the next stage of the yutes development would be a loan? There are loads of managers who want Arsenal kids.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:22 pm
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    when will they announce the training group?

    if they have gone today, someone should know who flew.

    J, is our training ground next to Watford’s?

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:25 pm
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    is barazite really that close to going on loan? shame, I really wanted to see him stake a claim the first team this season, I do think he is ready.
    I cant think which other players wenger is talking about as ready for Arsenal. surely wilshere is at least a year away and most other players still have small question marks over their heads – Randall, Simpson, Traore, Nortdveit, Lansbury, all look a little short still to me, but I hope I am wrong.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:26 pm
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    gazzap;

    Yep, you’re wrong fella……….

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:27 pm
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    You have a point there. But Gibbs, Barazite and Gilbert wont be there next season, possibly for the whole season, and probably as much as another 5 players could go on loan for half a season after Christmas, Randall is likely to, and Landsbury, Merida and Mannone all are possibilities. This all opens up space for the cream of the U18s to get a chance, and the best of the U16s to get a go in the U18s.

    It is a good point thou and thinking of the U18s side, and the Reserve side, plus all the young players i havent seen yet that have been talked about so highly, it will be a problem since there wont be any steady progression in the ranks, just a couple of players moving up and down a level now and again depending on injuries and loan deals.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:28 pm
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    I’m lost as to what the problem with Jay Simpson is. Why doesn’t Wenger like him? The rest of the world seems to and having watched him properly for the first time, I like him. We cannot have a squad of 25 guys who ALL expect to be in the first team. We need some Hoyte’s and Simpson can play a very important role, like Parlour a few years ago. And surely he’s better than Eboue????

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:30 pm
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    I thought Nordveit looked ready for some CC action, as did Simpson, and Ramsey.

    I thought Barazite looked like he might get that and a bit more, he looks a class act imo.

    Wilshire looks very, very good, but way too small right now, some twat like nolan from bolt-on would break him into even smaller pieces.

    I thought Lansbury was completely anonymous.

    One player who nobody seems to rate who I thought looked very capable without any flash, was Rene Steer.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:30 pm
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    I thought the only one who looked near to being ready was Wilshire, but at 16 I really dont think he should be rushed into the 1st team now, it could ruin him. Same goes for Ramsey.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:32 pm
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    I agree with Ben Jones…

    The likes of Denilson, Diaby, Djourou, J Hoyte must all step up and stake their claim for a place in the 1st team. They’re starting to get complacent and happy with where they are. They will certainly get a wake up call next season when they are the ones sitting on the bench in the CC.

    There is a wealth of talent in the reserves and the likes of Nordveit, Randall, Barazite, Merida, Lansbury are knocking on the door of the first team and it wouldnt surprise me if they become first team members and Denilson, Diaby, Djourou, J Hoyte are all moved off to make place for the new load of talent.

    The future looks bright… Cant wait for the new season to begin

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:33 pm
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    “We cannot have a squad of 25 guys who ALL expect to be in the first team. We need some Hoyte’s and Simpson can play a very important role, like Parlour a few years ago. And surely he’s better than Eboue????”

    Different from Eboue is probably a better description, he can become better than Eboue but i dont think he is at the moment. Simpson is a good player but he just never seems very Arsenal, all physicality and power, but to be honest i think hes changed alot while at Millwall and theres a bit more of the technical quality starting to shine throu. Ur right aswell, we need some squad players and Hoyte and Simpson are the kind of dedicated hard workers with the nessesary quality that can fill that void.

    Personally i cant see Song or Densilson sticking around to be Arsenal back-ups for too long, but Simpson and Hoyte (like his brother) might well be happy to play that role.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:35 pm
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    I doubt Djourou could be accused of being complacent. I mean, he went on loan, got injured and hardly featured did he?

    Same could be said of Diaby and Denilson really.

    I hope these 3 do come good tho. Djourou has all the attributes of a good CB, ne needs to show he can cut it now.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:36 pm
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    Hoyte’s off to Villa as part ofd the Barry deal.

    Keep it under your hat though.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:37 pm
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    Thanks, Johnny. I realised my Eboue comment was a little too strong and I had sent the comment already.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:41 pm
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    this isn’t in any way xenophobic but I would rather have a bunch of young Arsenal players who have been through the ranks (whether they are English or not) sitting on the bench than have players like Song and Denilson who are bought in later. I think Arsenal’s youth team can easily supply players of this quality. OK when you need a top quality player, I agree you need to bring in the best and chances are they will be foreign, but the next layer down should be born and bred gooners like Simpson, Randall and Lansbury.
    If the squad is too big then I’d rather see the underperforming foreigners sold – regardless of what we paid for them.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:50 pm
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    Why are we sending Barazite to Salamanca?
    It makes no sense at all!

    We should be getting him prepared for the rough and tumble of the premiership, the fast pace, flying tackles, lenient refereeing. At Salamanca he will be playing slow paced technically football and will have more of a shock when facing English opposition again.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:56 pm
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    We are going to buy one more player minimum, if that is bischoff then certainly it won’t help. We have too much injury prone players and players such as walcott and bendtner may need more regular matches (90 mins) rather than the short substitute appearances they are getting. this is also not helping.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:58 pm
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    I’m not against any player moving to the championship on loan. It’s not as bad as people think, though if a youngster can shine technically then he is very good. Randall and Gibbs so far have struggled though it is their first matches at high level.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 1:59 pm
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    gazzap;

    Given the way players move on after a couple of years, I think it makes good sense to try and have as many youth teamers in the first team squad. As they are more likely (but not always) to have an affinity with the club.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 2:03 pm
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    it cant be amaury bishoff wenger said he will be a player aged 25 i am thinking of lorik cana or alexander madlung a centre back or even mathieu delpierre

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  • July 21, 2008 at 2:05 pm
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    johm;

    Who the f*ck are those players?

    Do you play fantasy manager by any chance?

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  • July 21, 2008 at 2:07 pm
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    Bendtner and Walcott have high potential but it is getting kind of frustrating watching them fail again and again. Showing glimpses is not enoug.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 2:09 pm
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    Theo failing?

    B*llocks. Have you actually seen him play?

    He was outstanding towards the end of last season, in an unfamiliar role. He should be first choice right wing next season IMO.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 2:10 pm
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    I agree Wilshire looks amazing. I am very wary of media hype getting in the way of his development. The times already referred to him as “the new Messi”. Being english I would guess the media will be stalking him at school by december at the latest.

    Fking parasites.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 2:11 pm
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    Media hype over an english Arsenal player is a double edged sword.

    Theo was hyped up then written off by them at the ripe old age of eighteen.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 2:14 pm
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    Jay Simpson deserves a chance in the team, Is Vela still injured ?

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  • July 21, 2008 at 2:17 pm
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    “Bendtner and Walcott have high potential but it is getting kind of frustrating watching them fail again and again. Showing glimpses is not enoug.”

    They arent failing, they’re both bang on track, not every great player is a superstar at 18, give them a chance. Trust me, by the time they are 23 they’ll be brilliant. Dont forget, Adebayor looked pretty avarage when he had to play with Baptista for a season cuz of Henry and Van Persies injuries, last season ud have hardly know it was the same player, thats what a season at a young age and a bit of starting momentum can do for u.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 2:18 pm
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    “One player who nobody seems to rate who I thought looked very capable without any flash, was Rene Steer.
    Mike said this on July 21, 2008 at 1:30 pm”

    I agree with you Mike, he looked like a solid dependable player. No nonsense ABC stuff. First time ive seen him play though to be honest, so maybe someone who watches the u18s regularly can inform us if that performance is typical or not.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 2:18 pm
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    Walcott showed potential in patches. He looks like he will be a later bloomer as he started playing football at 12 and he is trying to make up the years. Outstanding is definitely an overstatement though that one run he did was outstanding.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 2:20 pm
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    “Bendtner and Walcott have high potential but it is getting kind of frustrating watching them fail again and again. Showing glimpses is not enough.”

    I’m trying to say they are slightly hindering others progression to the first team. How long is a Champions league team going to wait for one to develop and not win trophies? we gave up on bentley very early.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 2:25 pm
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    “Media hype over an english Arsenal player is a double edged sword.
    Theo was hyped up then written off by them at the ripe old age of eighteen.
    Grover W Jr said this on July 21, 2008 at 2:11 pm”

    Exactly. At 16 they hyped him like the second coming of Christ. Failing to be declared world player of the year at 18 led to him being written off as absolute bollocks.

    “Build em up so you can tear them down.”

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  • July 21, 2008 at 2:40 pm
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    “Build em up so you can tear them down.”
    Cherno Samba….

    Wenger wants Theo to step up and Push for a place, Bendtner can do it aswell, be patient, 2 season at most and they’ll both show what they r really about.

    Wilshire needs protection from the media but Arsenal can give him that. Plently of players make it throu media hype, just look at Wayne Rooney, from a local lad making his way in the Everton Academy to national hero and England’s best performer in about a year and a half.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 3:03 pm
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    I was at the game. And along with Ramsey and Wilshere, I have to say I was impressed by Coquelin. Looks like he could do well, Very Flamini like and not afriad to put his foot in. Won a few good tackles. I remember Wilshere putting a great throughball in for him and he almost got one on one with GK.

    Wilshere was amazing for a kid, he looked like a little boy but player like a man. A bit like Messi in terms of ball control and keeping possesion. They just couldn’t get it off him!!

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  • July 21, 2008 at 3:03 pm
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    The problem is not attacking players but defensive players comming through. We seem to have the Brazilian mentallity regarding how the game should be played. I bet you would find it hard to name a lot of world class brazilian defenders for their defensive ability.The only promissing defender at arsenal at the moment is Song. The others are two or three years away from being ready for our first team. Thats why I think song will become our 4th central defender.
    Song will play as a CB. He has the highest jumping ability at the club, but needs more games to gain possitional experience. He is also a 50:50 chalanger and does not sit back and sweep like galas and co. I would prefer Song as back up and would like wenger to buy a john terry/tony adams mould defender who reads the game well, goes for the 50:50 tackles and commands the defence. Also we need a utility full back that can cover both left and right back as we always suffer when short in this area. It may be just me but wouldn’t it be a good idea to cut down the number of crosses into our box from good ready made full backs rather than inexperience back up cover when we have injuries, as we normally loose these games?

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  • July 21, 2008 at 3:08 pm
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    We should buy alexander madlung 6ft4/5 quite quick an absolute beast and has two german caps we can get him for around 2million, he would be a great back up for toure during the african nations cup. What worrries me is that Wenger still sees eboue as a right winger when he quite cleary is not

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  • July 21, 2008 at 3:20 pm
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    Does Alexander Madlung fit the mental attributes rather than just the phisical side?
    I think eboue gives us the strength and agression that was needed at the time when we were getting kicked to f–k, this seems to have stopped since the aggression was added to the side. Ray Parlour was held in simalar regard but was needed for the team. However I would prefer the aggression and strength of someone like Ribery. What do you think?

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  • July 21, 2008 at 3:28 pm
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    “is walcott going to be a winger or striker this quetion haunts me.”

    My bet is free role, a winger that drifts in or a striker that drifts out wide and able to play either role equally well.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 3:46 pm
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    davetherave – Lucio? Naldo? Perhaps “only” two, but what country apart from maybe Italy has more than two world-class centre-backs?

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  • July 21, 2008 at 3:46 pm
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    eboue agression the guy is off the plot the amount of times he could have been sent off for being a prat i remba the middlesbourough game when he kicked stewart downing on the knee it was like a fly kick almost cantona style

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  • July 21, 2008 at 3:51 pm
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    I bet you would find it hard to name a lot of world class brazilian defenders for their defensive ability.

    -Is this dude serious? Moron.

    A couple things: J, I assume you meant that change of mind was about Simpson? Also, we are all assuming Dunne is still being released yes?

    Walcott will be first choice RM this season until Rosicky comes back. If Rosicky stays fit, Theo will presumably fight for any place he can.

    Wilshere has really been called the English Messi? Wow. I don’t think the hype is as big as people say it is, there is a lot of difference between obscure blogs found on newsnow than discussions in pubs the country over. The Wilshere hype will firmly remain in the first camp until Wenger thinks he is ready to breach the Carling Cup team. I’ve only seen him in 2 games though and damn he is gonna be a great player if they are anything to go on.

    I agree with the idea of the loans so the u18s can be promoted. Barazite to Salamanca (w/ Pedro right?), Gilbert to Leicester, Gibbs to Norwich, Randall also to go? I guess it depends on if we buy another CM or not, he’s surely fourth or fifth choice if we don’t bring in another (assuming Song and Nasri aren’t CMs.)

    Also agree that it’s make or break year and naturally we’ll see silly exodus stories next summer as well. Personally, I think Ade will lose his spot and go. Hoyte to Villa this summer or next, Eboue will be nowhere near the team, one of Senderos or Djorou…

    Denilson: He’s still 20! It would take Flamini another 3 or so years to break into the regular side. And at 19 we are discussing whether Simpson should be allowed to be apart of the first team squad, let alone whether he is a spent force. Give Denilson time, he has the potential to be something great and is at the club to realise such. The only players we should realisticly be having such a conversation about at the club are Eboue, Senderos and Hoyte.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 3:54 pm
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    Look senderos will not go because he is cesc fabregas best mate, if senderos goes sod does fabregas he has already seen flamini and hleb leave who are close to him and if senderos leaves fabregas will leave. Look at henry situation viera, pires, ljunberg, edu, campbell, lauren they all left and he was isolated and wanted to leave

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  • July 21, 2008 at 3:55 pm
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    Or what about Maicon? Or Alves? Or Maxwell? Oh yeah, they are rubbish at being defenders, no wonder Barca spent ‘only’ 23.5m on one of them and the other two were integral in winning Inter the league. But they are cack I tells thee.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 3:58 pm
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    In my opinnion maico is the best right back in europe ahead of sagna just becuase offensivley the guy is like a winger hes like clichy but hes more stronger and has better crosses

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  • July 21, 2008 at 3:58 pm
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    john: that’s another ridiculous notion. Fabregas is on the verge of being captain (in the next year or so), will see Merida come into the side, and is loved by all the team. He loves London and doesn’t particularly like Barcalona FC now he knows how big a set of cunts they are. Conspiracy theories really don’t help anyone.

    If Senderos goes, it will do nothing to sway Fabregas into wanting to leave. It may persuade him he loves the team even more as they’d start winning shit though.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 3:59 pm
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    Can someone post a link for the game tomorrow? I’m assuming it’s on Arsenal TV. Enjoyed the ‘live’ coverage of the Barnet game online.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 3:59 pm
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    Maicon and Alves are ridiculously great. Sagna is close though.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 4:03 pm
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    samuel its not ridicolous its what happened to henry-he had no mates at arsenal because everyone was younger than him. Next it will be gallas just watch

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  • July 21, 2008 at 4:07 pm
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    thats why its hard for arsene to keep or buy experience players at the club when ur whole team is nearly full of youths. Look at hleb he is 27 there is only rosicky gallas, gilberto near his age. And his best friend his who? fabregas and flamini who are like 5 years younger than him. and now with gilberto, flamini, hleb leaving people like van persie, rosicky feel more pressure and are more isolated

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  • July 21, 2008 at 4:10 pm
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    Well, Gallas won’t leave because he has no friends at Arsenal. And Henry didn’t leave because he had no friends. Dude danced like a prat with Ade every week enough to know that he had someone, as well as known friendships with Theo, Cesc, le boss, Gallas, Toure and so on.

    Players don’t leave because of how many friends they have unless they are Cole or Reyes. Seriously, it’s only the paranoid and Cesc is a level headed man.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 4:16 pm
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    Also, unless you are 13, age has nothing to do with friendship. These are people that see each other every other day, age doesn’t matter. The same way that when you go to work you talk to everyone, not just the people your age. And there is a bit of a difference between “eh, he’s 3 years younger than me, i aint talking to him” (and do we really want that at our club?) to “ok, so sue who cuts the oranges up at halftime is a 60 year old chain smoking racist granny, i don’t really wanna talk to her”. At Arsenal most are men in their twenties who are smart, cultured and well travelled and obviously have the same passions (er… football). Ridiculous is the word to describe friendship being the biggest issue of why players leave, if you can’t make friends in an environment of friendly people, enthusiatic in your hobbies and abilities, it says a lot about their character.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 4:16 pm
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    This is the problem. When you mention buying attacking players there is always loads on names flying about, but mention defenders and its difficult to name some at the right age that could improve our team. Don’t forget that the more confident our defence is the more we will push forward and attack the opposition. I am sure that if we had a stronger defensive squad we would have scored more goals and created more chances because our midfield would not be running back trying to help out our defence all the time. This is the missing jigsaw we need. We do not need any more attacking players. What do you think?

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  • July 21, 2008 at 4:20 pm
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    Samuel u mug u think gallas is gonna gel with walcott, fabregas, samir nasri, clcihy go and socialize with them i dont think so. Socializing is what bring team spirit. When every1 gets along with everyone there is a better team spirit.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 4:43 pm
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    Samuel, I hope they don’t gel like you and the other bloggers. They seem to think your a mug. Maybe it’s the age gap or are they 60 year old granies. You seem to be one of theses state the obvious writers with nothing new but speculation to write about. How many brazilian defenders did you name errrr 2 or 3. Try again this time name the CB’S rather than the fullbacks. Oh yeh Barcelona had a great defencive record. I think your the Moron or is it mug. Ask John?

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  • July 21, 2008 at 4:50 pm
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    J.S, if they have flown out today – how come they haven’t announced the squad that has flown out? Surely someone has to be told or they have to announce the squad. I would be grateful if you could update me on this :)

    Unhappy with Barazite being loaned out to Salamanca. Personally, I don’t think its necessary as he seems very mature for his age and ready to step up to the next level. I’m not sure if hed get anymore experience being loaned out, then he would staying and fighting for a first team place, which could certainly be a target for him.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 4:58 pm
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    davetherave and john, are you idiots? age has nothing to do with friendship! Henry had loads of mates at arsenal and so does Gallas. If people can’t make friends at a club where they need to create a good enviroment, then they are better off leaving anyway. As Samuel says it shows alot about their character if they have no friends, and if you have senn things like Arsenal training, interviews and even the crossbar challenge, you will see that Gallas is like the club joker, making everyone laugh and working hard while having fun.

    The main issue why players leave is because of money, new opportunities ( which is fair enough), & players being unsettled at clubs and wanting to go. Friends have absolutely nothing to do with henry going or anyone at arsenal leaving.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 5:10 pm
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    Brazil have good defenders coming through too. There’s Breno on Bayern, Naldo (Bremen), Felipe (Udinese), Thiago Silva

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  • July 21, 2008 at 5:18 pm
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    Gallas “had” loads of mates at Chelsea, Sol “had” loads of mates at spurs. Yeh right- your one of these “kiss the badge beleivers”
    Don’t you remember the talk about the little groups that stick together at the arsenal camp like the french stick with their own.This was even quoted from some ex-arsenal players. People have short memories. Don’t beleive the training videos.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 6:18 pm
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    Calm down kidz…

    Anyone Knows when the players that played in the Euros returning to training??

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  • July 21, 2008 at 6:22 pm
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    Arguing on the internet is the dumbest thing ever. Sorry I called you a moron but I named full backs because other people named cb’s and as far as i remember, full backs are also defenders.

    john lists a bunch of french players and says gallas wouldn’t hang out with them, dave mentions that the french get on notoriously well with each other. Either way, they are gonna argue with me.

    Joshwaaa, I agree, the reason people mostly move is money and opportunity. Friendship and work environment can be factors but so rarely are. Also, regarding Barazite, I think we should all be glad to see him play professional games and with 6 strikers already ahead of him and many pushing for the reserves, maybe it’s best to see him go on loan.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 6:25 pm
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    Calm down kidz…

    Anyone Knows when the players that played in the Euros returning to training??

    The Oracle said this on July 21, 2008 at 6:18 pm

    Everyone but Fabregas, Eduardo and Rosicky has returned I believe.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 6:45 pm
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    Great article mate. i think Thats why he is not very active in transfer market, coz he sees the reserve players getting ready for the first team performance

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  • July 21, 2008 at 7:05 pm
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    IG: Yeah, added to his recent comments about not wanting to ‘kill’ youngsters careers, it seems likely some are gonna get a chance. Merida, Vela, Simpson, Randall and Traore all look like they are gonna start the season with the first team. It’s amazing considering how short our squad looked last season that we suddenly have a batch of talent to give it depth, coming out of ‘nowhere’ but trying as hard they can to prove their worth to the manager.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 7:30 pm
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    Samuel, where’d you hear that Eduardo was back already?… Great news if he is!

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  • July 21, 2008 at 8:40 pm
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    Wenger will sign Toulalan imo. Lyon will let him go because of the overcrowded Lyonaisse midfield, with the addition Jean Makoun.

    This is both good news and a little sad. Good because i think Toulalan will be the perfect for Toulalan, and the addition the Arsenal midfield need. Works hard, lots of stamina, and also a very good and reliable passer. But sad because it will make it harder for our overcrowded talent-midfield :/

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  • July 21, 2008 at 8:41 pm
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    “the perfect partner for Fabregas”*

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  • July 21, 2008 at 8:44 pm
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    “Samuel, where’d you hear that Eduardo was back already?… Great news if he is!”

    Heh, he said he was one of the three that hadn’t come back atually.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 8:58 pm
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    Samuel & John, a defender main job is to defend first and Sagna is considerably better defender than Maicon and Alves. I wont change him for another RB in the world, shame Domenech was blind

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  • July 21, 2008 at 9:09 pm
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    I’m happy to hear that some players showcased their talents during the Barnet game, however I feel it is unfair to rate or condemn any of these players in just one game. I’d rely on more comprehensive information on how their development is going. I agree the crunch time is near and a decision will have to be made on who stays and who goes as loans will not be ideal options any longer. I’d personally like to see Nordtveit with the first team squad this season, that includes Ramsey. Talking of Ramsey, I feel he is just being talked about because he is in the same age group as the lads in the youth academy. Ramsey is a special lad and having nailed down a no 16 shirt, he’ll def be in the first team squad. I hope our possible two signings this summer are players who are defence-minded.

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  • July 21, 2008 at 9:10 pm
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    watching from the stand on saturday/in my opinion i thought that the players in the first half where very much uninterested and being the first eleven should have madc a better effort not just for themselves but for the fickle fans as well.

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