Ex-Arsenal man Alexander Hleb has had an unhappy time on loan at Birmingham City. The Belarussian midfielder left Arsenal in 2008 to join Barcelona – but found his opportunities with the Spanish giants somewhat limited. As a result he was shipped out to the midlands where he has failed to establish himself as a result of injuries and a disability to gel with Birmingham’s style of play. The belief, I suppose is that Hleb is an Arsenal player at heart and just isn’t cut out to play the more physical, direct stuff that Birmingham serve up week-in, week-out.
As a result, Hleb has ruled out making a permanent move to Birmingham City in the summer, favouring instead a return to Arsenal – a move which I believe would be disastrous for both club and player. Speaking to the Press, he said:
“I want to give my best for Birmingham but if I have chance to go back to Arsenal, of course I would… Of course, I love Arsenal, It is always in my heart but now is too early to speak about a new club. Everything is possible but I am just saying if I get this chance, of course I’d come.”
Alexander Hleb has made little secret of his regret of leaving Arsenal to join Barcelona. Since he’s left, he’s found it impossible to hold down a first-team place on any team. He’s been shifted from place-to-place but has failed to establish himself.
His latest comments are no more than him batting his eyelashes in Arsenal’s direction. There’s been no indication as of yet whether Arsenal or Arsene Wenger have been keeping tabs on the midfielder or whether there’s any interest in bringing him back to the Emirates. I have my fingers crossed; however, that Wenger doesn’t attempt to bring him back to North London.
I acknowledge that during his time with the Gunners, Hleb often displayed great technical ability, could dribble and worked relatively hard. I hope, however that Arsenal fans haven’t forgotten the other aspects of his game: sloppy passing, goal-shy and his capacity for being easily intimidated by more physical teams (which I believe to be part of the reason he hasn’t been a success at Birmingham).
His love for Arsenal isn’t enough. Too many times during his Arsenal tenure Hleb was found wanting. Arsenal already have a goal-shy winger in Thomas Rosicky and they don’t need another one. Arsene was right to move Hleb on when he did and though he’s shown over the last couple of years that he’s more than willing to bring players back into the Arsenal fold (Sol Campbell, Jens Lehmann) surely he has more sense than to give Hleb another chance. To do so would be a huge step backwards for the Gunners.
Efforts should instead be spent on making sure that Samir Nasri’s contract is extended over the summer. Nasri is 6 years Hleb’s junior, has more pace, more ability and plays with way more passion.
I hope that Alexander Hleb finds his way in the footballing world once more, but I have no desire to see him as an Arsenal player. What’s your take?
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