Thanks to Arsene Wenger’s worldly influence, Arsenal know a thing or two about promising young talent. For many years Arsene’s footballing philosophy saw him snap up football’s brightest young things, give them a good education and hope that they’d go on to make it big in the Premier League. In some case this worked wonders – take the likes of Cesc Fabregas. In others, it didn’t. Players like Carlos Vela, Denilson and Abou Diaby for one reason or another haven’t made the grade.
This, coupled with the desire for a more immediate form of success has seen Wenger break from his philosophy over the last couple of summers to sign more established stars.
But one player who could well have the ability to make the Professor return to his old ways is Serge Gnarby. The German Youth International joined the club (who beat off interest from Manchester City) from Stuttgart last summer and enjoyed immediate success. Best of all? The tenacious teen is just 16-years-old and could realistically go on to be one of the world’s best.
He was quickly moved on from Steve Bould’s U18 set-up and has become an important part of the club’s reserve set-up.
He’s been deployed mostly down the wings where he’s scored goals against the likes of Crystal Palace, Leicester and Charlton. In total he scored 6 goals from the wing last season and always looked dangerous.
His tenacious attitude and composure on the ball recently saw TalkSPORT refer to him as a player who could potentially be better than Cesc Fabregas. This kid is the real deal and he’s beginning to get noticed.
Of course, we’re judging him on the basis of one season. Arsenal fans will want to ensure that he improves over the course of the next couple of seasons and that he makes the step-up to the Gunner’s second-string. I don’t think it’s unrealistic to expect the youngster to be handed some opportunities in the Carling Cup next season.
He’s also extrememly complimentary about the club and his role: “…It’s a big club and a big opportunity for me. Arsenal give young players in the first team, also the reserves is a good level so I am developing myself. I hope to get a chance in the first team. It was a big move for me to come here but it is a dream for every kid to play for Arsenal. You can be proud of yourself if you come here.”
These are kind words indeed, but Arsenal fans ought to be wary. Serge Gnarby is a boyhood Barcelona fan. How long ‘til the Catalan side decide that he has ‘Barcelona DNA’?
One thing’s for sure: he’s got an absolutely massive future ahead of him.
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