The worst thing about modern football is the obsession with the transfer window. Not the transfer window itself, or for the absurdly expensive deals that actually take place. It's not even the obsession with deadline day and clubs shelling out millions on last-minute targets. Or the unnecessary speculation about players' potential destinations based upon the flimsiest of evidence.
No, the thing that makes the transfer window so objectionable is the way it has seemingly convinced many otherwise sane, intelligent football supporters that the only way teams can improve is by spending money. Things like increased harmony between existing players, the development of individual players or an increased familiarity with a manager's instructions doesn't matter. The key, apparently, is simply spending huge amounts of money on whoever is available.
Yet this season's Premier League provides a refreshing antidote to this approach. Arsenal are currently top of the table and while it remains to be seen whether they can sustain this form and actually win the division, it's worth remembering that the Gunners started the campaign being widely criticised for not signing any new outfield players.
Their sole signing was Petr Cech, who -- despite a poor performance on debut against West Ham -- has justified Arsene Wenger's belief that he was the major component required to sustain a proper title charge. The goalkeeper is a unique position in football, a role where individual ability counts more than anyone else. It's tough to hide a poor goalkeeper with clever tactics; you can't argue a below-par shotstopper should keep his place because he brings the best out of someone else. You simply need a good goalkeeper. Arsenal needed one, and now they have one.
Nevertheless, Arsenal's development into the Premier League's number one side (at the moment) isn't largely because of recent signings. It's about the players who have been there a while.
Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny have developed a fine relationship having been fielded together consistently over the course of four seasons -- this also extends to the back four as a whole. Francis Coquelin and Hector Bellerin, two players already at the club, have developed into assured first-team players that solve problems (holding midfield and right-back) in the side.
Santi Cazorla has been repositioned as a deeper playmaker. Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey are providing key contributions, seemingly justifying years of faith from Wenger despite fans often being frustrated. Nacho Monreal and Olivier Giroud continued to improve with increased Premier League experience, while Mesut Ozil has finally adjusted to the tempo and physicality of the division in his third season -- a deeper understanding of his fellow attackers has him on course to break the record for assists in a single season.
Then there are the more subtle shifts. Arsenal boast an increased threat from set-pieces, a greater sense of tactical intelligence and flexibility, particularly in big games they would traditionally lose. They have better organisation when not in possession, seemingly no longer intimidated by powerful, strong opponents.
0 komentar:
Post a Comment