This summers transfer window finally saw Arsene Wenger spend some money, in an obvious attempt to strengthen his squad and please the fans with some established players coming in.
The most notable signings were that of Brazilian full-back Andre Santos and German centre-back Per Mertesacker to fill in and improve Arsenal’s defence – an area much criticized by the fans and media alike as the Gunners Achilles heel.
With Andre Santos set to fill in the left-back role vacated by Gael Clichy and Mertesacker set to play along side Thomas Vermaelen, what now for Laurent Koscielny and Johan Djourou?
Though Djourou says he is not worried about Per Mertesacker’s £8million arrival at Arsenal, quite frankly, he should be.
The 24-year-old Swiss centre-back recently stated:
‘Mertesacker’s arrival may mean direct competition for me. But I am used to it, it does not frighten me.’
Yes, Mertesacker brings in competition for Djourou and the others, but with the likes of Squillaci and Koscielny to fight with for a starting role, Per brings a whole new challenge along with him, as he is not as prone to mistakes as Johan, Laurent and Sebastien are.
With Mertesacker and Vermaelen looking highly likely to be the starters of the Gunners defence this season, it might just make those on the sidelines improve their overall game and work a little harder in order to please the manager and claim a position in the Arsenal starting XI.
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No body should be scared of anybody. mark my words, before the season is out they would all have had plenty of game time. A team with any serious ambitions must have a competent bench and those on that bench must be as proud of thier roles as those on the pitch.
Sorry. It’s not really about him being worried. If anything I hope that mertsacker can help djourou develop into a better player. Mertsacker will need time to settle in so I expect Koscielny to be first choice. If djourou wants to stick around then he’s just going to have to work his socks off. If he is really to be worried about anyone it’s Miguel. He is showing very good signs and old fish lips needs to understand football isn’t just about football. It’s about money third party interest corporate investment fans emotion passion and a way of life. I don’t think he understands how big this thing really is. Yep sure play for love and fun but you can do that for any team. You play for the gunners you play for pride you play to be a trophy winner. An 8-2 loss regardless of injuries and suspension is not an excuse. It’s not something to be taken lightly. It has to hurt it has to sink in.
mertesacker will surely guide our younger defenders as they make far too many mistakes, JD, KOSH and Miquel will benefit so much from mertesacker which is great news, ramsey and wheelchair will learn so much from arteta and yossi 🙂
happy days
Take a close look at DJ – Last Sunday, pre season games, back end of last season Fulham and Stoke away. He has been to blame for so many goals. The guy just gets drawn towards the ball and does not mark. To be honest he looks as though he is spaced out all the time. Not going to crack it for me.
Gooners must not be obsessed with the starting 11. Trophies are not one by the 1st 11 but by the squad. That is why having 4/5 good Central defenders is critical. Injuries, form and shear number of games ensures that they all get game time. Djorous should not be worried. If anything he has an opportunity to perform with less pressure.
Aside Squillaci, Djorou is Arsenal’s worst player/defender. He cannot read defense lines, cannot make sensible tackles and too weak for strikers which should not be.
Right
I will take Miguel Ignasi anyday over djorou. Please vermalen is suspect nowadays. It’s either he has not returned to full fitness or has dipped in form.
He should be very worried as he will probably won’t start any more games for Arsenal due to the fact he is not good enough
Yeah
I don’t usually like to bad mouth our players but Djorou was very poor in the utd game. He second guesses his own decisions and is caught ball watching way too often. He does have height and power etc but you need a quick mind to be a top defender and he doesn’t read the game well enough and isn’t decisive, however he must want to prove himself so could be a valuable squad member! Carling cup games for him
Never mind … he didn’t lose any sleep over it !!