The British Core

Afternoon all,

Last season we heard of Arsene's intentions to build a young british core to push our club forward. This is a slight step away from the largely European contingent which has been associated with Arsenal since Wenger's arrival in 1996.

The Brits in question have all been tied down to extended contracts, clearly showing the clubs intentions. However, do we feel they are good enough to form a core of a team around?


..................................................GK...........................................

Jenkinson..................CB...........................CB................Gibbs

................................Ramsey................Wilshere........................

Walcott.................................. CAM...............Oxlade-Chamberlain

.................................................ST............................................

Now i'm not suggesting this is the formation/line-up we use, just showing where they fit in in the team. Of the remaining positions avaible we have some quality players already on our books, Szeznsny in goal, Big Mert and Kos at the back, Plus Cazorla as attacking mid. This leaves really only a striker as the essential quality signing (plus a DM, which is universally accepted that we need)

Jenkinson - looked great for the first third of the season when playing regularly, unfairly removed for Sagna. With Bac's future unclear, Jenkinson should get the majority of games next season

Gibbs - future England RB, injury prone, but classy defender, quick and good going forward

Ramsey - most improved player this year, great energy, some touches of real class, been a great utility act this year but looked best in the centre of midfield, will we see a wilshere/Ramsey partnership blossom? (i hope so)

Wilshere - reality check i think, superb debut season 10/11, missed a whole season and returned for around 2/3's on this year. Getting back into form, will get better and better, future captain (maybe next season), shame about the surgery, a solid pre-season would have done him wonders

Walcott - stepped up this year, scored some great goals, added a decent dead ball to his arsenal, best finisher at the club. Has to push on again next season.

Oxlade - Desperate to see him flourish at the club, will be his third season coming up, great speed, dribbling, good passing, looks to make things happen, could be the extra creativity we need (especially in wide areas)

So, are we happy to build a team around them, and who would you want to compliment them?

Discuss