Just how mutually beneficial is the partnership that Arsenal seem to have with Bolton? Do the Trotters really get as much out of the loan deals they strike with the North London side as we like to think? Let’s not forget, not every Arsenal youngster is as good as Jack Wilshere. Owen Coyle must be relishing the partnership; however, as he’s struck another loan deal with the Gunners, this time for young forward Benik Afobe. (Source: Jamie Sanderson, Young Guns)
Bolton fans will be hoping he goes more the way of Jack Wilshere (or Daniel Sturridge, given the type of player he is) than Ryo Miyaichi. Whilst the Japanese youngster remains highly thought of and one for the future, he often managed to frustrate Bolton fans. Yes, he produced a couple of fantastic moments, but the general consensus is that he’s just to slight and doesn’t have the physicality to cope with the rigours of the Premier League. Not yet any way.
So will Benik Afobe have a more successful stay? I’d say so. It’s worth noting that he’ll be playing in the Championship, rather than the Premier League. Whilst the quality, in general is lower, the physicality remains much the same. As such, it’s a good opportunity for Afobe to prove he’s got the tenacity to make it at Arsenal. This, in combination with regular football at a side who will surely be fighting for promotion next season, will stand him in good stead.
Owen Coyle’s also renowned for favouring an attacking style of football. Being part of a team with an attacking philosophy will act as good preparation for Afobe. Bolton are no Barcelona (though neither are Arsenal for that matter) but they’re a good fit for Arsenal’s youngsters.
Bolton won’t want to foster a reputation for being Arsenal’s finishing school. It’s up to Afobe to make sure that the move’s mutually beneficial, by helping the Trotters achieve promotion.
He’s had previous loan moves to Huddersfield Town and Reading, but you get the feeling that he’s coming to a pivotal time in his career. If he proves himself at Bolton, he may well be given an opportunity to prove himself in the Arsenal first team.
What’s your take? Is this a good move for Benik Afobe? Who’s on the more beneficial side of the Arsenal-Bolton loan partnership?
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Thanks for looking at Bolton in a good light, doesn’t happen very often not even by the idiots on the Bolton blogs who are supposed to be Bolton supporters!
Cheers man and i hope Afobe shines alongside one of our strikers!