Arsenal fans were bemused last January, when instead of signing Mario Gotze from Borussia Dortmund, they ended up with young Thomas Eisfeld. Sure, the 19-year-old had shown signs of promise at youth level for the Bundesliga, but he can hardly be considered one of world football’s best young talents (unlike Gotze).
He caught Arsenal’s eye by nabbing six goals and six assists in twelve appearances for Dortmund’s U19s last season. It was enough, for Arsene Wenger to see his potential and snap him up as a deadline day signing.
The youngster then went on to impress during Arsenal’s pre-season, grabbing a couple of goals (one a nice finish and one a tap in) and looking fairly assured and confident on the ball at all times. Without really exploding onto the scene, or making too big a noise, the German has quietly announced himself as an Arsenal player. His name entered into fan’s minds, who would go on to claim that he had a big future at the club. But is this still the case?
Why, for instance, did he not feature for the Gunners during the Capital One Cup? Arsenal faced off against Coventry City (winning 6-1 in the process) in what would have been a great opportunities for the German youngster to show what he can do. And yes, the Gunners have plenty of young talent, but if Eisfeld is as talented as many like to claim, why didn’t he get a run out?
One reason is surely his middling form in the Arsenal reserves this season. Whilst he started well, grabbing goals against Bolton and Blackburn, his form has slowly leveled out. What’s more, he hasn’t exactly stood out in Arsenal’s 3 NextGen games. The Gunners started well in this competition, but like Eisfeld, have rather fizzled out.
Being an Arsene Wenger side, it’s only natural that the Gunners have plenty of young talent on the books. In this department, I’d list Serge Gnabry (who has a good chance of cracking the first team this year), Kristoffer Olsson and former Barcelona youngster Jon Toral ahead of Eisfeld.
Whilst I hope the German comes good, there’s a reason why he’s not looking like breaking into the Arsenal first team any time soon: he’s just not fulfilling his potential.
What’s your take? Does Eisfeld have a big future with the Gunners?
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Tomas will come good.he has a good eye for goal and has the potentials to achieve greatness.the future is english and german.