Arsenal boss claims ‘top quality’ Bendtner has point to prove

Nicklas Bendtner is set to take on former club Arsenal tonight in the third round of the League Cup, and manager Arsene Wenger has been discussing his recent move.

The Gunners travel to take on Nottingham Forest today, as they bid to make the fourth round of the Capitol One Cup for the first time in three years, and could be set to take on two former players in the match-up.

Henri Lansbury was previously highly rated in our youth academy, and featured on numerous occasions for England’s youth levels from Under-16 up to Under-21, but failed to make the cut at Arsenal.

Lansbury was not as highly rated as Nicklas Bendtner however, who joined as a 16 year-old, before going on to make over 100 appearances for the senior side.

The Danish striker has been the subject of ridicule for a large number of interviews where he appears to have huge belief in himself, although his performances have never lived up to his self-made hype.

Arsene Wenger insists he is top quality however, and although he is surprised by his move to Forest, he understands that he needs regular football to reignite his career.

The Frenchman said: “It was a surprise to me that Nicklas signed for Nottingham Forest, but at some stage Nicklas needs to restart his career.

“You have to adapt and we are in a job when we have to show we are able to put our effort in everywhere and compete.

“Sometimes when you are a player of his quality, you just need an opportunity. We know his qualities and he is a top-quality player, but he needs to play.

“Of course he has a point to prove,” he added.

“He’s playing at a level where he is not used to. But he did start his career at this level at Birmingham City with Steve Bruce, where he did very well. Nicklas is humble enough and focused enough to show he can fight again.”

“Yes, the perceptions people have of him is that he is overconfident, but I don’t think so.

“He was sometimes impatient when he was with us. Sometimes he was disappointed not to get the chance and you can understand that. It is difficult – I am not here to judge people.

“Sometimes you manage to get it, and sometimes we do not find the key. Then you have to leave the key to someone else who has the potential to find it.

“I felt that he had good periods in his career, and then periods when it went less well for him. He could explain it better as to how he assesses his career because he is an honest guy.

“When he makes mistakes, he is big enough to say it is his fault. Sometimes it was not his fault but you felt he had it all in the locker to make a fantastic career.”

Does anyone have any fond memories of Nick? All I remember are the interviews…

Pat J