It’s hard to know what to make of Gervinho. One day he looks like a potential superstar and the next, he looks like a pub footballer.
We’re talking about basic things here, like trapping the ball, taking up decent positions, staying onside, knowing when to take a man on, knowing when to pass, passing into dangerous areas, etc, etc. I could go on and on. He’s inconsistent at best and inept at worst.
Yet he plays for Arsenal. One of Europe’s top clubs. Whilst there are plenty of other players out there playing for the Gunners who don’t seem to deserve the privilege, I’ve singled Gervinho out.
The reason why? I believe he’s capable of kicking-on and becoming an important player. It’s up to Wenger to find the right role for him. It’s up for Gervinho to prove the doubters wrong.
The Ivorian Coast striker received plenty of criticism for his performances against Norwich City and Schalke 04. I’d go as far as to say that he was a big reason why the Gunners failed to perform. With him playing up front, Arsenal had no ‘out’ ball. After all, Gervinho is hardly known for his hold-up play.
Because Gervinho (and, to be fair, the players around him) couldn’t keep the ball in the opposition half, Arsenal were constantly on the backfoot.
I don’t think this is Gervinho’s fault. The blame lies with Arsene Wenger for playing him in a role for which he’s not suitable. No matter which way you cut it, he’s not a centre-forward.
He is effective, however, out on the wings. The one thing he is good at, is beating his man. He’s one of few players in this Arsenal squad with the ability to do this. He has to play to his strengths. Whilst he needs to practice crossing and work at his decision making, I think he’s cut out to be a good winger.
There was one moment in the Schalke game, where Gervinho found himself pushed out wide. He skinned his man and cut inside to the penalty area. Unfortunately he overrun the ball and dived in an attempt to win a penalty. That, as disappointing as it was, was one of Arsenal’s most dynamic moments.
He has plenty to work on, but the potential is there. There’s certainly no potential for him upfront.
What’s your take? What’s Gervinho’s role in this Arsenal side?
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Happy sunday to all my fellow gunners all over the world May be gervinho have much playing time that is the reason why so let wenger put him aside for the now thanks i love you all over the world including the emirates am always available to welcome all fans you can reach me on +234(0)7061519435 bye
he become central striker despite his poor decision making at final touches. it’s anomaly!
he is good dribbler so far but until he become naturally fit, his natural role should have been restricted at midfiled or to the maximum winger, where, he won’t face confrontation with defenders because he can’t win balls against physical defenders which need fatigue. we saw many times as he failed. Even Giroud with no goal contributes much for our club than he do.
From the moment I witnessed the Joey Barton “Slap” I realised that this guy didn’t have a brain in his head.He is the proverbial “headless chicken” and I’ve never been able to work out why he was purchased-for a fairly hefty fee-in the first place.
Yes he gives the impression of looking busy but he has no end product whatsoever.Can’t shoot or cross,limited abilty to link up play which is not surprising because he never seams to look up.
Unfortunately,the Manager’s pre-occupation with 4-3-3 coupled with his unerring desire to buy predominantly from France has resulted in another “duff buy”.How soon should it be before we are left to forget about the great purchases of Petit/Vieira/Llungberg/Pires/Henry etc and only remember the likes of Squillacci/Cygan/Santos/Chamakh and Gervinho.The worst thing is-they are given salaries which whilst not riduculous are far higher than their worth and make them all untransferrable to the level of club that they should be playing for-in the first place!How many salaries of our “deadwood players” would need to be combined to have paid RVP what he was worth.Unfortunately the problem is far deeper rooted than that,but illustrates how much money is currently being wasted on these players1
Have the guy a break… At least he try’s and often proves to be our biggest threat at goal… He is our top scorer this season… What does that say for the rest of them
This is a wind up, right?
Only one answer to the Gervinhio question; shoot him then sell him.
The bloke is a flid with no f””””ing hair!