Arsenal has started preseason albeit not in the best possible manner, but at least their players are getting the minutes that they crave.
While some players are guaranteed spots on the team when the actual business starts next month, others are fighting for a place in it.
Mikel Arteta will look everyone over during preseason and make a judgement on who deserves to stay and who also should start games when the campaign begins.
I know that several players have a point to prove and some are obvious, but I’d name three of mine, while you add yours in the comments.
Joe Willock
Having shone on loan at Newcastle United, it is safe to say Willock has earned the right to play for Arsenal.
But the truth is that we always knew he is a genuine talent and his problem has been fitting into Mikel Arteta’s style.
In this preseason, he has to show that he can adapt to it and deliver as he did in the northeast.
Calum Chambers
Arsenal might sell Hector Bellerin this summer and reports have linked them with a number of replacements.
This preseason gives Chambers the chance to show Arteta that he is a worthy replacement.
Eddie Nketiah
Nketiah is facing new competition from Folarin Balogun. If he signs a new Arsenal deal, they would likely loan him out.
But a fine preseason might force Arsenal to keep him and send Balogun out on loan instead.
Which other players do you think has a point to prove?
An article from Ime
Think Nketiah has had his chances, both at Arsenal and unsuccessful loan in the Championship.
Time to sell and give younger prospects a chance, rather than wasting more time on Nketiah hwho has shown himself to be a poacher and nothing else.
Agreed Durand ,reminds me of a 90s kind of striker ,you need more that these days to be a top top striker .
I would probably move on all 3 if it was down to me but knowing our Great coach he will either loan out or leave rotting on the subs bench at best therefore devaluing them even more .
They all have a point to prove every time they wear the Arsenal colours.
No preseason needed to decide the fate of the three players. Nketiah should be sold for 10-15M; Willock for 25-30M; Chambers is a difficult one, but I am inclined to keep him because of his versatility.
ANM (not included in your list) would be most useful as a trade piece going the other way.
Why do we accept the risk of injury to these players…using them in worthless pre-season games? Bonkers, in my view.
Personally, I expect Thomas Partey to prove himself at Arsenal. Unlike other players at Arsenal, Partey is on a comparatively longer contract, signed by investing heavily for his services and will be on the wrong side of 30 before he enters his final year with us.
Even after a year, his best position in the starting lineup is still a mystery. If he is to be considered a B2B CM, his 3 assists and a solitary attempt on target in the final game of the season isn’t worth 45 million quid. If he is to be considered a DM, I simply don’t understand the clamour from the fanbase to sign a quality DM in this transfer window.
I prefer just positive results for the team and his contributions to attaining those results. His athletism, neat turns, cute flicks means nothing if the desired results are not achieved.
Sorry to see things so very differently from IME, but my view has always been that ALL players need to constantly prove themselves in every game.
Once a player starts to believe he is a shoe in, his attitude worsens and so does his work rate.
Fully professional players should always give 100% all the time, be they even Ronaldo, or a new kid coming through the academy. That is how it MUST always be in a healthy club.
👍 No passengers! Play for professional pride and pride in the Club, plus earn your wages.
Admin Martin, you have mentioned in your comment on Joe Willock that his “problem is fitting into Mikel Arteta’s style”. Could you please write an article on what that “style” is?
Much maligned manager Steve Bruce has enabled Willock to score 8 goals in 15 games against such ordinary opposition as Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham, yet the Arsenal “style” produces few goals from midfield. Maybe Arteta needs to review his approach?
Willock and Chambers must be kept to compete for game time. But Nketiah has been given so many chances, time to get Balogun in.
Nketia can go out for loan to prove himself please.
The big problem is Aubamayang and I wish Arteta he must stick on it please.
He is a leader and our hope so if leader is failing what next……Stress would be the results.
At this point Arsenal don’t need a prayer who will take long to prove.