Sometimes in football, it doesn’t work out for players at
certain clubs for a variety of reasons. From not settling in the area, to not fitting
in with the teams style of play, or simply the fact that they may not be good
enough or are but aren’t getting enough of an opportunity in the side. Whatever
the problem is, there comes a time when players have outgrown their surroundings
and may need a fresh start to revitalise their careers. Here are five players
who I feel aren’t currently maximizing their potential at the Emirates.
Lukasz
Fabianski
There were once high hopes for the Polish keeper, but after
failing to make the number one spot in goal his own, he has instead seen himself
fall further down the pecking order over the years rather than up it. Effectively
now third choice behind compatriot Wojciech Szczesny and Vito Mannone, the 27- year-old
may have to accept that he will never be more than back up at the Emirates and should
move on to try and salvage his career. He also has aspirations at international
level, and sitting behind the Polish number one at club level as well, is doing
his chances no favors.
Chu
Young Park
A few eyebrows were raised when the South Korean striker
moved to the Emirates from Monaco in 2011. He has failed to gain substantial
playing time and is currently on loan at Celta Vigo where he is enduring a
relatively uninspiring spell. The fact that he did enough to catch Wengers attention
in the first place suggests that there must be something about him, but I can’t
see him forcing his way into becoming a key part of the Gunners squad.
Sebastien
Squillaci
Squillaci has become completely surplus to requirements
at Arsenal and hasn’t made a league appearance this season. He was a solid player
earlier in his career but the move to Arsenal has come too late for him and it
hasn’t worked. At 32-years-old he would be better of plying his trade elsewhere
to see out his career as I can’t see Wenger having him in his plans for the
future which means he is wasting his time at the Emirates.
Abou
Diaby
This man was touted as the next Patrick Vieira when he
arrived at the club in 2006 but he has been unable to fulfil this potential and
has had a career blighted by injuries. His next break to force himself into
becoming a main stay in Arsenals midfield was the departure of Alex Song to
Barcelona. However the powerful Frenchman was again unable to capitalise due to
further injuries and unconvincing form since his return to fitness. At
26-years-old he needs to start producing consistently, and while the potential is
there it may have come to the point where he just needs a change of club.
Andrei
Arshavin
The Russian hit the ground running following his move
from Zenit Saint Petersburg in 2009 and everyone will remember the four goals
he struck at Anfield during his first season for Arsenal. Unfortunately for
them, he has seen a major fall from grace in the last 2 seasons in particular and
as a result has become a bit part player. He also doesn’t look too enthusiastic
when he does play and his mind looks elsewhere. The fact that he still performs
for his national team suggests he may be able to produce at a new club.
