With the lads playing about as poorly as I've seen them play for a while, it's clear that we need some sort of boost to help energize the team. Giroud is getting better and looking more confident unfortunately just as his service is starting to get less and less reliable. Poldi and Santi have both faded recently, partly due to fatigue, whilst Theo has scored goals but generally blown hot and cold as usual, same with Gervinho, and the Ox is out of form.
And this is where I think, with not much to lose performance-wise, we should be looking to integrate our most exciting youth prospects, Gnabry and Eisfeld. Sure, they are both raw, but I remember back to when Oxlade-chamberlain came into the side following a couple of weak team displays vs. Fulham and Swansea last year and immediately gave the team a boost with his energy and creativity.
I think, with confidence low, it would be a good move to bring in a fearless, pacy, and talented youngster such as Gnabry. Our line-up, even with Theo in it, has looked so static and devoid of drive and creativity, and without wanting to put too much pressure on young Gnabry's shoulders I think it's something that we should definitely try, we need more pace in this team. We saw Jack make a big impact two years ago, we saw Ox and Coquelin last year, it's time to shake things up a bit.
Youth
posted on 9/11/12
I think there's enough pressure on young players when they're brought into confident, in-form teams, so whilst I agree that Gnabry would bring pace and unpredictability to the side, it's just not the right time.
Besides I thought he was pretty poor against Reading, and though I appreciate that sounds harsh on him given his age, once they cross that white line, they are first team players and not being ready is not good enough.
Look at Martin Angha against Coventry. Awful, awful performance. Made Santos look a player.
Eisfeld was impressive when he came on against Reading, and is perhaps worthy of a place on the bench. But even he's been erratic for the U21s this season.
If we're to be giving these young guys some playing time, I'd much rather we wait until the team is playing well than hoping they can turn up round, to be honest.
posted on 9/11/12
Good article Merte and you are right in saying some players look out of depths at the moment.
I think you have a point to bring in fresh legs and with the mentioned Gnabry and Eisfeld we have some really good youngsters in our team.
However I feel that Gnabry who was given a chance to play some minutes in the PL League tries to hard to do well and personally I think Eisfeld is more up to it and are able to hold his nerves better than Gnabry.
posted on 9/11/12
I don't agree with the comparison to the Ox. Ox had played a lot of first team football for Southampton. Despite them being in League 1 at the time, he was a regular, and knew all about English football.
Gnabry and Eisfield don't have any previous first team football. So for that I don't think they will have anywhere near the 'feel good' factor Oxlade Chamberlain had