Samuel Galindo will be a ‘niche’ member of Arsène Wenger’s first-team squad in the future. The Bolivian midfielder has revealed details of the conversations he had with Wenger before joining Spanish Segunda outfit UD Salamanca on loan.
Galindo has had a slow start to life in Spain following several set backs over a work visa. It meant he couldn’t take part in Salamanca’s pre-season preparations and finally linked up with the squad just a week before the league opener.
However, he is now making an impression. A goal on his debut for the ‘B’ team followed by several impressive performances from the bench have made Samuel an instant fans favourite. The Union’s sponsors moved last week to give him a brand new Audi A1 car; further proof of just how well he has settled in.
The future though, is all about Arsenal. The 18-year-old completed last season training with the Gunners first team and looks back on that time fondly.
“The experience of being in London and training with the first team before coming to Salamanca was wonderful. Both Cesc and Vela helped me most when I came to England. Carlos took me to the training in his car and both of them acted as a translator.”
Wenger’s influence on the left footed midfielder has been telling. Although used as a winger during training games, a future as a box-to-box central player seems likely. Comparisons have been made with his idol Juan Román Riquelme, but many believe he boasts a playing style similar to former Arsenal star Edu.
The move to Salamanca all happened very quickly, but Wenger did find time to hold a meeting with the prospect and discuss the future. Galindo explained what was said and his feelings about his new coach.
“I was very impressed with Arsène Wenger. He is a great coach and immediately gave me confidence to enjoy what I do on the pitch.”
“Wenger told me to learn everything I can in Salamanca and he would make me grow into a niche player in Arsenal. He told me to learn all I can. To grow as a player and he will make a space for me at Arsenal.”
Galindo is expected to feature on a regular basis in the second half of the season, following the winter break.
Jamie – What role do you see him filling? A box to box central midfielder?
Any news on what W.Silva’s squad number will be?
Is Galindo expted to be loaned out for a few years like Vela?
Or can he apply for a speacial visa when he plays more for Bolivia?
Any realistic join date
I think when the reserve squad numbers were released at the start of the season with a handful of gaps in them, it was worked out that Wellington would fit into one of the gaps. A quick look suggests that alphabetically it could be 56
jay,is he aggresive enough?has a good physique but looks harmless enough.what do you think,can he survive in the prem?have you seen him play?
i think arsenal hav so many good players half of them would go out bcoz of lack of 1st team competition. Lol
Off topic… Lansbury Joining norwich on loan!!
Great site Jamie.
Out of interest, why do so many posters have a fascination with squad numbers? It seems a rather trivial matter on the grand scheme of things!
Not sure what Arsene means when he says Galindo will turn into a niche player. Perhaps he means a player who won’t fade and collapse at half time in a massive game? that would be pretty niche at the arsenal these days
@Jimmy
They’re probably just sad cunts imo.
If this is true, this is a very good move for Lansbury. He’s not good enough to make an impact on the first team like Ramsey or Wilshere. A loan could be what he needs to improve his skills enough to come back next season and fight for a spot.
JET should also be loaned out, but he’s at a level where it must be a Prem side. The championship wouldn’t do him nearly as much good developmentally as the Prem. Hope that happens too.
Great news about Galindo. I really look forward to the opportunity to this kid play.
J.S.
I don’t exactly understand what is meant by a “niche role” at the club. Would you elaborate…?
If I’m not mistaken he just started playing with the 1st team Bolivian National team which means when he is called up for 75% of their internationals he will be eligible to play so he will not need to do the several years in Spain to qualify to play.
Guys, for those that predict him to play for the NT in the coming years, you are right.
He came out flying in his first game for the NT vs. Mexico in San Francisco. Although bolivia lost 5-0 which was pitiful, and was the first sign of how dangerous Chicharito would be in the coming months…. by far teh second best showing for me, was Galindo. His vision, poise on the ball, techinque, not to mention his ability to hold off 2-3 guys around him and only being 17 was a sight to see.
He also played at a quick pace, quicker then any midfielder we have seen since the days of El Diablo Etcheverry or Platini Sanchez. He has a bright future, and given his size and vision/ability to play at such a fast pace, I think he will do well in the Premier League.
And yes, he for sure will play for us in the coming copa america 2011 in Argentina, there is no begtter central midfielder compared to him right now.
Cheers from Virginia!
Best of luck to him
Are u concerned with what is happening at the first team. U r talkin of youth no more youth we want to splash cash now.galindo we are sorry .