The chance to establish himself in the Arsenal first team was a long time coming for the Costa Rican international forward Joel Campbell, but after a few years going around various leagues in Europe and then sitting on the Arsenal bench in England, the injury situation at the club left the door open.
Campbell stepped through and has continued to impress since then, even though not every game has seen the best from the young player. I think we have seen enough though, and while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been struggling to make the most of his own chances this season, his team mate has probably overtaken the Englishman in the Arsenal pecking order.
We don´t know how long that will last of course, especially with the brilliant Chilean star Alexis Sanchez close to a comeback, but Campbell has declared that he is happy to fight for his first team place and to take it on the chin if and when he misses out, an Evening Standard report reveals.
The 23-year old Gunner said, “I just see myself as another member of the team. Neither more nor less than the rest of my team-mates. Football is like that.
“It can change from one day to the following one. You’re here today but you do not know where you are tomorrow.
“Today you are in the starting line-up and tomorrow you are on the bench. Football is about moments and you have to take them.
“Obviously when someone works well and conscientiously he will always see the fruits, sooner rather than later.
“I work hard and trust in my ability. And I know that with hard work and effort things will be all right for me.”
You have to admire the attitude and the way that Campbell stuck at it while not playing ad then performed when he got the chance. But will he keep his place in the team when Alexis is fit again?