Arsenal’s much maligned defensive problems have been the hot topic among the media and fans alike over the past 12 months, and despite significant changes and investment during the summer, Arsène Wenger appears to be no closer to fixing the core issues at the back.
The past week brought some developments in the clubs long running drama over centre backs, with Wenger sanctioning the sale of prospect Håvard Nordtveit, while also appearing to waiver slightly on his pledge not to spend in January. Should the Frenchman decide not to make defensive signings in the coming windows, the future looks bleak.
While Arsenal fans are still reeling from Nordtveit’s potential move to Borussia Mönchengladbach, Wenger seems content with his decision. Maybe because he watched Reserve team captain Ignasi Miquel star in the Youth Cup last week? or maybe, just maybe, he’s one of the many who believe Kyle Bartley is destined for a long career in North London.
Bartley is currently enjoying his second season in the Championship with troubled Sheffield United. He impressed all in a three month stint there last term, but this year, while remaining largely unreported, Kyle has been one of the few shining lights in a Blades shirt.
The Championship has eaten up a collection of Arsenal’s defensive prospects, with many finding it just too tough and hard hitting to survive. Not Kyle. The 6 foot 3 inch centre half has showed the steel and fight he learnt with Bolton Wanderers, and taken to one of the harshest leagues around with ease.
Sheffield United have had a poor season and although tipped to be battling for promotion, they instead find themselves in a relegation dog fight. Bartley’s absence through a broken jaw made matters worse, but results began to improve when he returned, playing with injections and a face mask.
Kyle has all the qualities needed to play in England. He’s tall, strong, tough, brilliant in the air and plays with lots of passion. But there is a lot more to him than that. Whilst not being excellent technically, his passing of the ball over short and long distances is first class and that, coupled with great composure and two good feet, make the 19-year-old one of the best defensive prospects around.
Gary Speed, United’s latest manager, walked away to take the Wales job last week, leaving the struggling Blades in an even worse position. They took on a dangerous Swansea City side at the weekend, with many expecting a mauling. However, Bartley was arguably Man of the Match, and was hailed by SkySports for his ‘resolte’ defending in a 1-0 win. A massive three points and a clean sheet earned, in part, by the superb teenager.
His ability to lead and organise a defence on his own, is a huge quality to have at such a young age, and something Arsenal could certainly benefit from.
Nordtveit’s loss will have come as a surprise to many, but with talent like Kyle Bartley developing at such a rate, the decision to let the Norwegian leave seems natural.
Have real high expectations on him. A bit disappointed by the departure of Havard, but still we’ve got several hot prospects
You read my mind Mr. Jamie… I intended to ask you to write something about Kyle Bartley and Ignasi Miquel because they seem to have very bright futures with the first team in years to come.
I think next season Kyle will return to Arsenal and play an important in the defense.
Interesting read Jamie. I’ll have to try and catch a Sheffield United game when I can, to see what he’s about.
another couple of million wasted on a youngster signing with Nordveit only to let him go. Least with Bartley and co, we might start winning trophies again in 2016. Good Times
you sp*ds cannot even dream of winning something in 2016.
Now off you go troll.
The fee is said to be around £2 million, which is the same as Arsenal paid for him in 2007 from FK Haugesund.
Wenger runs a profit on transfers almost every year so how is this wasted money? You hit on some and you miss on others.
I was shocked when Nordtveit story first came up but now as you explained it is clear why its done.So our future CB’s should be The Verm,Kosh,JD,Miquel and Batley.Now thats very impressive.
JS,Do we have any other good CB’s in our Reserves/Youth squad
they are good wenger should give them chance to show what they have,keep the faith a life gunners for life
I’m a Sheffield United fan and I wouldn’t recommend any of you watching our games but Kyle Bartley definitely has an England and Arsenal future. He is quickly devoloping into a great player and plays with the determination and grit previously shown by Phil Jagielka.
That’s good to hear echap. . .best to luck to the Blades for the rest of the season.
Dont understand sale of Nordveit, just hope wenger dosent sell Bartley, we have alot of young players who could break into the squad in the future like: Frimpong, Afobe, Lansbury, JET & Aneke.
Did we put a recall clause in the contract?
I know a lot of Blades season ticket holders and have been to a couple of games myself. They were all in agreement that they didn’t rate him and that he wouldn’t make it at Arsenal. However that Sheffield Utd team is awful at the moment they can’t keep the ball for more than 30 seconds. The situation he finds himself in there would be poles apart to the one he’d be in at Arsenal. One thing I will say is that next season if he returns, bar Vermaelen, he’d perhaps be our most equipped defender to deal with the barrage of long balls from Stoke, Blackburn etc.
They’re view goes against pretty much the comments I’ve seen on blades forums, pretty much all hailing him.
Well we all know how much utter dross is bandied around on fan forums, me included!
By the same token anything would be better than Koscielny and Squillaci. Personally I would have liked to see us go for Sakho
Unfortunately, they are more reliable than your “I heard these people say” claims – we can actually see them for ourselves. hurr
Yea was at de Sheffield united game vs Swansea (my uncle is a season ticket holder) I was very impressed wit bartley.. For such a young man he looked very assured in the air and wit the ball at his feet.. He made several crucial last ditch tackles and I mean last ditch dat wer absolutely spot on.. I still hav high hopes for martin angha to make it arsenal 2… Der is jus sumthin about the kid I like.
Hope the reserves get to play carling cup football again next season, so a good judgement can be made about them.
Is Miguel better than Bartley,is Ozygkup better than Aneke, is Freeman better than Benik, is Ramsey better than Wilshere- no someone is picking up a lot of brown paper bags for doin f… all
my bad Bartley was bought
Nordveit is better IMO and far more versatile, would really liked to have thought that Nordveit, Bartly Miquel and Cruise, (who i think will end up as a centre half or DM who can play in both roles) could have been our future alongside Djourou and Vermaelen
Great to hear Bartley is doing so well, but I wouldnt say it justifies letting nordtveit go so early. For one thing he can RB and CM as well as CB and I thought the whole point of a youth system was to overload it with talent. What if bartley doesnt develop as planned? What if something happens to him? What if nordtveit suddenly turns a corner and starts playing out of his skin? The boy has talent and to push him out the door early would be foolish. I dont think that has happened exactly however, Im sure the club just want to get some money back rather than see him leave for free. I think it’s likely more Hovard’s decision than arsenal’s.
Anyway, great to hear Bartley is doing so well. I hope he continues to progress. He was always meant to be very good, and I hope he will make nordtveit’s departure appear insignificant in the long run, as you say J.
Nordtveit could have been a great replacement for Sagna.Who is going to replace Sagna ? Bartley is a CB not a RB.Nordtveit must have stayed.
Blimey, if other supportors read these comments, they’d think that Nordtveit is one of the best up and coming defenders around. He’s not! We have imo plenty of better cb’s and i’m sure Arsene is going to add another rb so there really is no need for him. Cash in while we can and not lose him on a free. We need to do this to a few other players in the squad
Yeah true fella.
Nordveit is no loss, he would have shown something by now. he was piss poor in Germany and obviously he has not impressed since returning, otherwise he would have got a chance, either in the Carling Cup or on loan to an English club.
Then again, perhaps he had no intention of signing a new deal and the club didnt want another Merida situation?
AW should give Thomas Cruise a chamce .
Bartley has all the ingredients to make it IMO. And can definitely stake a claim for a 1st team place, maybe after a season loan to Premier league club?
Well this might be off topic but I really rate this lad and (heres the of topic part) In FM he’s always my backup CB, after a few seasons he’s a England regular… As for Miquel he’s another gem, I reckon Monsignor should loan him out until summer and then we will evaluate them on there seasonal performances.
Phillipp: you can’t be more wrong.
But AW had lied to him, and I’m glad Havard will have his first team football in the near future even for another team. (I actually know his uncle and work for a company linked with Haugesund…)
He went to Germany sent by Wenger because he wanted proofs of his ability at high level.
Bundesliga is no joke, and certainly harder than championship. And he proved what he could do.
Just a shame AW bought Koscielny + Squillaci, because one of these places should have been Havard’s.
AW should only have brought a really good and experience CB, and that should have been Mexes.
Anyway. Arsene knows better
Some Arsenal fan posted this thread on a Sheffield Utd forum, and they indeed seem to like Bartley.
http://boards.footymad.net/forum.php?tno=463&fid=221&sty=2&act=1&mid=2119106496
Myself and a few others in the know have always said this young cub and Luke Ayling were far better young CB’s than Nordviet, Those two also wipe the floor with the overated Miquiel who has been very disapointing thus far.
You and a few others in the know???? Stop it, you are killing me!!!
Well, your “I told you so” doesn’t look that bright when Ayling is playing for a relegetion side in league 1 and Nordveit is heading for a Bundesliga team.
I think Ayling is doing well for his age, far better than playing once a month in the reserves, I expect to see him in the top flight before the end of his career, always looked better than Bartley when they played together, he had a touch of the Johnathon Woodgate’s about him.
Hahaha! What a useless crock?
Ayling looked good when he was 15, didnt develop and will be a decent pro. Not top quality.
he dont let nordvite to leave
What the fcuk are you on about sp*dshavenoguts?
No spurs fan commented prior to your embarrassing outburst.
Also you show plenty of guts mouthing off on the internet. Arsenal can do without morons like you.
Promising comments from Blades blog, hope Wenger gives him a chance next season. Miquel and Angha seem to be coming along nicely, so we may, with luck, have a clutch of half-decent centre-backs in the pipeline.
Great post JS.
I know that Miquel started the year slowly, but he has come back stronger than ever!! I don’t see him as a disappointment at all!! I see him as our very own Gerard Pique or Mats Hummels, someone who can really play out from the back and who can read the game extremely well. Ok, ok, so Pique hasn’t been brilliant this year, but still, you know what I mean. I am very excited by the prospective partnership of Bartley and Miquel. That pairing would have EVERYTHING!!!! Heart, desire, technical ability….EVERYTHING YOU WOULD WANT. They just need to gain experience and they will be all set to go. I also like the look of Martin Angha. Whichever position he finally settles on, he will be a player. I know he has struggled a bit, but I have read he is slowly making the adjustments needed. He just has that look about him doesn’t he??
i think nordtveit should stay for another 2 seasons. he can play at left back, defensive midfield and center back, so his versatility might come in handy. he was slow before, but he already improved his quickness. his body strength weak but he can improve that. his defensive ability already good enough to be in first team. so he should have future with arsenal and wenger should give him chances to play too.
Did we pay compensation to Bolton for Bartley? and if so, how much??
Btw Francis Coquelin’s performance from last night, played surprisingly at right wing. Came off after 20 mins due to awkward fall but showed some neat touches, looks like he’s taller, quicker and more powerful. Any updates on his injury?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hY8qCiYIcO4
I think the worst the injury to Coquelin would be is an ankle sprain. I doubt it’s broken, just judging by the angle on which he fell on it. He didn’t roll it or anything. I just hope he hasn’t torn any of the ligaments in his ankle. If he has I would think it would just be a minor tear…why on earth did they stick him on right wing?? hahahaha, it looks like he was doing a good job though, so I wouldn’t complain too much. I hope he has only a minor injury.
Love it:
Next Rio Ferdinand?
I think Smalling should give the jag to Bartley.
Also finally the loaning of players seems to be working.Players performing well and comming back better players.
Last year:
Wilshire, Szechney, Lansbury
This Year:
Lansbury (awsome for Norwich) Bartley and Mannone.
I’m looking at this article which was made just about 2 years ago, some of those mentioned have left arsenal, whilst the likes of song and wilshere have broken into the first team. Read if you wish: http://www.goal.com/en/news/1126/english-debate/2008/11/13/959996/english-debate-which-young-gunners-will-make-the-grade
Goal.com? Seriously? The most irrelevant website in the world, perhaps, and the worst possible use of a domain name? I wouldn’t read that trash even if someone forced a gun down my throat.
Bartley and Jagielka would be a great CB pairing for England. In a few years I’d love to see this with Kyle Naughton (another ex-blade) at RB. Finally get someone better than Rio and JT at the back for the three lions.
SUFC would be lucky to be in League 1 if these 3 never played for us
I just see the quite frankly fucking awful Rui Fonte on that list of yours, now i’ve seen some piss porr overrated foreign cunts on our books in my time but that chap took the biscuit, dreadful player, a disgrace that he was taking a place of someone more deserving for our u18’s and reserves, the second worst player Wenger ever signed after van den Berg.
Wenger has nothing to do with most of our youth signings. In some cases, like Nordtveit, he has the final word. But I doubt Wenger had anything to do with the signings of Van Den Berg and Rui Fonte. Liam Brady has that reponsibility I believe.
But we cant expect every youth signing to be a hit either. Our strategy is clear, sign a lot of yougsters with potential, mix them with our English youth players and hope that as many as possible will turn out well. And the last 4-5 years, a lot have become first team players (Cesc, Gibbs, Wilshere, Djourou, Bendtner, Mannone, Szczesny etc). And more will come.
Kyle bartley has been impressive.
What i like about bartley is that he always seems to improve.
Hes got raw ability but now its all coming together and he looking the part piece by piece
Hes also a very good professional, down to earth guy with a great attitude unlike jay thomas for example.
What i dont understand is why arsenal tried to buy chris smalling last summer?
For me kyle bartley can offer more than smalling in the long term in terms of leadership, power, physicality
arsene knows? squillaci was a waste of money and nordveit was one of the 3 best young players in pre-seasons. wilshere got first place, frimpong got injured and nordveit got sent in reserves. it seems to me more like personal than footballing reason. we still have traore but selling nordtveit, ridiculous.
have you noticed bartley is not french. where is he gonna fit in arsenal defence with more frenchies like sakho coming in the summer. keep dreaming!
Nordveit is going to the worste team in bundesliga. What a player he is huh? And we offered Nordveit a new contract but he rejected it. what more should we do? Pay him more or believe in Bartlet and Miguel who is not far behind at all. And sakho is free. Look at the other top teams and tell me how many english players do they have? These english lads we have today is special compared to the ones we had before. That is the reason along with the new homegrown rule why we will use more english youngsters in the team. you want english players to come through but yet you think it is stupid to sell nordveit to make space for Bartley. last comment from me to you cus you are ovbiously hating wenger just because he make us a good team with reasonble money. Go for city or chelsea cus they are obviously using more english talents……..
Hahahaha, you’re quite the spacker aren’t you sam?
In the same post you’re annoyed that those nasty Frenchies are blocking the path of the British boy Bartley AND also angry about the fact that the foreigner Nordtveit didn’t get a first team chance when Englishman Wilshere did!
So who is Wenger biased for/against exactly?
Walcott is ahead of Vela and Wilshere is ahead of Denilson, but Squillaci is ahead of Bartley and Clichy ahead of Gibbs.
What does this tell us? That you’re a moron.
Troll somewhere else, freako.
Sam – is your glowing opinion of Nordveit based on seeing him play 45 minutes in pre-season against the likes of Barnet? Or maybe you are qualified to judge as a Nurenburg season ticket holder and watched him in the Bundesliga last season? Also, I didn’t realise Arsenal had announced the signing of Sahko for the summer…who is your source???
maybe arsene didnt like his atittude.djourou and song took time to finally blossom and traore still crap. why is nordveit not being given chance. maybe he refused to learn french
maybe you’re an idiot. maybe you’re a sp*d.
Could be our very own keown and adam for the new era. I believe we have been missing these english blood in our game! The passion, the enthusiasm and the steel they have are just unbelievable.
Lollers
What is it about this place that is so attractive to stark raving lunatics?!
..honestly they begin their posts with such gusto and bluster and end up contradicting themselves and looking like right little BNP-lite plonkers.
Quite funny though.
As for Bartley…He’ll need to improve the technical aspect of his game but the leadership and organisational abilities are what we sorely lack in our back 5 at the moment. Perhaps with Bartley and Wojiech we’ll eventually have 2 at the back who are prepared to shout and organise.
I do love reading their bonkers conspiracies though, especially when they build up a nice head of steam.
Getting back to football, I can’t wait to see some of these young giants we have filtering into the first team, giving us the kind of strength and power that the current Chelsea side and our Invincibles team have had.
Szczesny (6’5″)
Miquel (6’4″)
Bartley (6’3″)
Aneke (6’4″)
JET (6’3″)
This is we needed to look to our academy to build our side. You just can’t find players with the kind of size and power required for the Premier League AND the dazzling skill and technique to play the Arsenal way. This wave of talent allows Wenger to add brawn to the team without sacrificing beautiful football one bit.
Kyle has all the qualities needed to play in England. He’s tall, strong, tough, brilliant in the air and plays with lots of passion. But there is a lot more to him than that. Whilst not being excellent technically, his passing of the ball over short and long distances is first class and that, coupled with great composure and two good feet, make the 19-year-old one of the best defensive prospects around.
all of that and we still have to put up with koscielny,shame on you wengker.
Ah, it was all going so well until you insulted the manager and showed yourself to be completely blind to Koscielny’s potential.
Massive fan of Bartley, i do a lot of traveling and have managed to get to a few of the sheffield united games this season, and in each one he has been up there for the motm. Not only does he impress me football wise but his attitude and personality seem to be first class, talking to a few of the fans they were adamant he should be made club captain, and as a loanee and at 19 years old that is in my eyes incredible. I see a lot more in this kid than what i do in 3 out of 4 of our older centre halfs, would love a re call in january and get a bit of passion in our team. O and Wrenny he is 6 foot 5 easily.
The Boss needs to bring in Sahko. He is big, athletic and a leader. That guy will lead the line for the French team for the next decade. Wenger will have to spend to get him but he is worth it.
The reason I say this is because Wenger seems to like athletic defenders over big tall rugged ones like Hangeland. If we would have gotten Hangeland last year I think we could have won the league.