I don't really see where all they hype about Arteta is coming from. In my opinion Yossi is a far superior player and has bags and bags of talent. And he looks like a vampire but that's not important right now.
Pace, amazing trickery, an eye for a pass (which strangely, Arteta is not blessed with despite being a centre-mid) and loads of goals: Benayoun is a really tricky customer.
I see no evidence that he's past it either. He was fantastic at Liverpool and simply suffered some bad injuries at Chelsea which can happen when you get past 30. I've seen a bit of him since he got back from injury and well, whatever 'it' is, he's still got it. Eurgh, I just cliched horribly, oh well.
Arteta was impressive a few years ago for Everton. But recently he's seemed a shadow of the player he used to be. Now whether playing in a new and more competitive environment will change that remains to be seen but I certainly hope so.
I realise that Benayoun probably won't be direct competition to Arteta as the Israeli will most likely play as backup for one of the winger roles. But still I think his acquisition may prove to be much more prudent than that of the frankly underwhelming Spaniard.
I reckon Yossi's got another year or two left before the legs go and that trademark burst from midfield is made redundant. Let's make the most of it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sPKqmrlLgc
Yossi Benayoun vs Mikel Arteta
posted on 1/9/11
Alright you one star merchants, show yourself. Our you come, don't be scared!
posted on 1/9/11
I think there is clause in loan deal which allows us to buy him permanent, if he stays injury free and plays well we can sign him or if he is in the treatment table all the time we can just give him back to chelsea.
posted on 1/9/11
Kamran
Do you approve of the article? I based it on your 'Koscielny is better than Vermaelen' argument, you know, the one which everyone scoffs at? Its meant to be edgy and thought-provoking and slightly erotic if I'm honest.
posted on 1/9/11
HMNIV
Really? Where did you hear that?
posted on 1/9/11
I can't remember exactly but I think I saw it somewhere.
posted on 1/9/11
GoonerTalk Chris Wheatley
Benayoun confirms his move to Arsenal. Big wages. Loan move which can be made permanent at end of season.
posted on 1/9/11
Nice one.
posted on 2/9/11
"Do you approve of the article? I based it on your 'Koscielny is better than Vermaelen' argument, you know, the one which everyone scoffs at? Its meant to be edgy and thought-provoking and slightly erotic if I'm honest."
===
I agree with this article partially. In terms of talent, I think Benayoun is head and shoulders ahead of Arteta, but I think Arteta will be more effective for us this season.
Also, the Koscielny vs Vermaelen debate is a bit stupid.
Koscielny is clearly the better defender
posted on 2/9/11
If we can keep Benayoun fit, he will do wonders for us. Sadly I can't see him having an injury-free run for us. Arteta will not set the world alight, but he'll get the job done imo.
posted on 2/9/11
Kamran
I just hope Yossi stays fit. He's a bit like Gervinho (direct running) with more subtlety and vision to his game.
But as you say Arteta may well be more important for us as he will start week in week out. I fear he'll be caught out in the CL though where Cesc really will be missed.