Now I, along with everyone else, really hope that we can vastly improve our midfield before the window shuts tomorrow night. However on the basis that we aren't able, for whatever reason, to complete the requisite transfers and Guenouzi is still here I'm wondering what everyone's thoughts are on two things:
- can he be re-integrated into the team and in particular the match day squad for the premier league and not just cup games?
- if so, can Arteta and his coaching team help him to improve enough so that he contributes in a significant way over the course of the season?
Rightly or wrongly I have a lot of faith in Arteta as both a manager and coach and genuinely think he can get the best out of Guen - he seemed to be dropped due to his petulance but he clearly has raw talent and plenty of desire to be involved in the game by making himself available for passes and not being afraid to be aggressive and put his foot in to try and win the ball back. His weaknesses seemed to be tactical/positional rather than ability which is why I see Arteta as being able to help him massively, given that coaching is clearly one of Arteta's strengths. Let's not forget he's only 21, has plenty of top level experience and can only get better under good guidance.
What do you reckon?
Guendouzi
posted on 4/10/20
The thing with Gwen is that even when he was playing well our midfield collectively was awful and often dominated.
So I don’t see the point of trying reintegrate him (or Ozil) back into this team when neither have a long term future at the club anyway.
posted on 4/10/20
You have to hope he has found some humility during the last couple of months - dropped from the 1st team squad and unable to attract a buyer.
The key, if he is still here, will be the Europa. If he can get in for them games and prove himself reliable then he could easily force his way back into the PL squad thinking.
Depends how burnt the bridges are, I guess.
posted on 4/10/20
Need to be reintergrated immediately if we cant loan/sell him in the transfer window.
posted on 4/10/20
It probably more depends on guendouzi and if he wants to reintegrate. If he does what the manager and coaches expect of him then I’m sure he’ll be involved again. I doubt Arteta will go back on what he’s demanding of him, so will be up to Guendouzi to prove that he wants to play here
posted on 4/10/20
Don't feel he's mentally sharp enough to make up for his lack of pace and physique, which most top level midfielders need in the EPL.
He obviously has disciplinary issues too, which, when considering the above, makes me wonder whether Arteta thinks he's simply not worth the effort.
Having said that, if he stays, he should be used in the Europa group stage matches. Barring an injury crisis, that's about all I'd give him though.
Then try to shift him again in January.