Writing in his regular Team of the Week feature for BBC Sport, Garth Crooks has said he is worried about Kieran Gibbs’ ability to perform over a whole season, given his injury record, whilst he also wants to see him fulfill his potential.
The left-back returned from his latest fitness setback earlier this season and played in the game against Sunderland at weekend, ahead of Nacho Monreal, and helped the Gunners to a 4-1 victory at the Stadium of Light.
For Crooks, though, the test is now whether to see if he can do it week in week out without those injuries bothering him again and to see him come of age. The former striker said:
‘He hasn’t played many games this season, mainly because of injuries. However, when he does play, Arsenal always look far more adventurous down their left flank. There is no doubting Kieran Gibbs’ technical ability, lovely poise and delightful left foot, but I do worry about his ability to stay the course of a full season.
‘The quality of the cross for Olivier Giroud to score with his first touch of the ball was typical of the defender, and he did exactly the same moments later – only this time Mesut Ozil failed to put the ball into the back of the net when the Gunners were leading 2-1 and totally in control.
‘This is a big season for Arsenal and it’s time Gibbs came of age and made this position his own. Besides, England can always do with another good left-back.’
Gibbs has got ten appearances to his name for the Three Lions and would need to compete with the likes of Tottenham’s Danny Rose and Manchester United’s Luke Shaw to force his way into Gareth Southgate’s plans.
