It’s been sad to watch Thomas Vermaelen’s career crumble and disintegrate over the last couple of seasons. When he was made Captain at Arsenal, he was one of the very best defenders in the Premier League.
He has a certain ‘warrior spirit’, a never say die, tough-tackling, hard-as-a-bag-of-nails attitude. He’s the kind of defender who’s happy to put his body on the line. If this means taking a ball to the face, or throwing himself into a tackle he’s likely to lose, then so be it.
Another aspect of his game was his willingness to get forward and support the attack. In this sense, he is a quintessential Arsenal centre-back. He’s known as a goal-scoring defender and that’s why his reputation grew so quickly.
Unfortunately, it all fell apart just as quickly.
The same qualities that made him effective are what led to his dip in form. His willingness to dive into challenges transformed into an over-exuberance. Suddenly he was slipping in dangerous areas, giving the ball away and committing costly fouls.
Arsene Wenger chose to drop him and it proved to be an astute decision. The Gunners are currently five points clear at the top of the Premier League table and that’s in part down to the excellent partnership that Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker have formed.
But it has thrown Thomas Vermaelen’s future into doubt. With Belgium in the World Cup, Vermaelen will be keen to ensure his place on the flight to Brazil is reserved. This could mean him leaving Arsenal and seeking out a change of scenery.
According to The Star, Newcastle are interested in signing Thomas Vermaelen on loan. It’s even suggested that the Magpie’s Director of Football, Joe Kinnear has watched Vermaelen play twice this month.
It does strike me as a good move for everybody involved. Whilst Vermaelen’s reputation has taken a knock, there’s no doubting that he remains a top defender. He’d certainly improve this Newcastle United side.
Thomas Vermaelen would be given an opportunity to save his career. With Newcastle fans backing him and regular football on offer, who’s to say this can’t happen.
If it did, Arsenal would profit as a result. And that’s why they should consider loaning him out.
At 27-years-old, Vermaelen should be enjoying the best years of his career. Newcastle United could make this happen.
What’s your take? Should the Toon take Thomas Vermaelen on loan?
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The defensive problems at the Toon are
well documented. One of them is a lack
of height and heading abilities. At 5’11”
this player is too short.