Arsenal’s biggest disappointment from a season full of them? My vote goes for Thomas Vermaelen.
He started the season as club captain. He ended it on the sidelines due to lack of form. That’s some decline.
It’s all the more surprising that given the big Belgium’s reputation. Before this season, he was extremely highly regarded. Despite being a part of a shaky back-four, he could realistically claim to be one of the best centre-backs in Europe.
He was certainly among the most passionate. There’s nobody quite like Vermaelen for diving into tackles, putting his body on the line and intimidating centre-forwards.
But from the moment he became captain, it was like he was trying too hard. It was almost as though he felt the weight of expectation and it was too much for him.
The job of fixing Arsenal’s defense has flummoxed far greater men. Unfortunately, Vermaelen wasn’t able to rise to the challenge. His errors at the back were extremely costly in the first half of the season.
Then up-stepped Laurent Koscielny. The Frenchman Arsenal’s best player over the last 10-15 or so games and probably saved the Gunners from Europa League hell. Switching out Vermaelen for Koscielny was probably the best move Arsene Wenger made all season.
But does that mean it’s the end of Vermalen’s Arsenal career? The 27-year-old Belgium stopper doesn’t seem to think so: “I’m happy at Arsenal. I didn’t play much and that was frustrating, but things can turn around quickly. I was on the bench, but I could just as quickly be playing again. I’m working hard to make that happen. These are things that happen in professional football. Arsenal are a great club where there is a lot of competition.” (Source: The Mirror)
I have to say, I like his attitude. Most men with Vermaelen’s quality would simply give up and move on. But he’s always seemed to be a man of character. It doesn’t surprise me that he’s looking to stay and fight it out.
What’s more, I can think of few better third-choice defenders in world-football. If either Per Mertesacker or Laurent Koscielny do need a break next season, I trust that Vermaelen can step in (and maybe even fight for his place back in the side).
If he slows his game down, focuses on the basics, but still plays with the same fire in his belly, I’m sure he’ll be back in no time.
What’s your take? Should Arsenal stand by Thomas Vermaelen?
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