The Real Arsenal

Every coach dreams of a singular talent. A Ronaldinho, a Messi or a Ronaldo.

These players seemingly transcend the game – their talent so overflowing that it is hard not to capitalize on their gifts.

Below the ‘superstar’ level, there is a tier of world-class talent. Wesley Sneijder resides here, as does Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry.

The second tier is a group of footballers that are ludicrously talented, but lack one key aspect that drives them to that level of singularity.

Sneijder has temperament issues, Bergkamp lacks pace and Thierry has an ego.

I believe Andrei Arshavin belongs in this second group. I am not a fan of his  work at Arsenal, but what can be said about tier two players, they need a team to be built around them.

Take a look at Cristiano Ronaldo, or Brazilian Ronaldo. They both excelled in a variety of roles and at various clubs. Their talent superseded their playing systems.

Weight that against Wesley Sneider, the architect of Inter’s 2009+ run, treble and general success. He suffered an injury at Madrid and was promptly offloaded the following year. He is a great player, but he becomes a phenomenal talent with a system built around his strengths.

Arshavin’s work for the Russian national team should be contrasted with his time at Arsenal. The national team has been built to support, if not exploit, his talents. Wenger has never given him the necessary tools, always played as the off-winger of a 4-3-3 or in a cramped middle of a 4-3-3. There are no true wingers, or covering midfielders to help shield Andrei’s laziness.

It reminds me of Juan Roman Riquelme. Heralded as the next Maradona, he failed to turn up at the Nou Camp – moved to Villareal and thrived. The ‘Yellow Submarine’ was built around his excellent passing and reading of the game (and comparably impressive laziness).

Or take a look at another Premiership ‘flop’, Juan Seba Veron. A Lazio formation suited to his strengths and weaknesses, he moves to Manchester United (and consequently Chelsea) with no ability to integrate. He is still a great player – just not the ‘superstar’ that Ferguson hoped for.

Arshavin is only 30 – he will have two to three great years and two good ones. Build around the tiny Russian, he could catapult back to his Anfield-like greatness.