Arsenal defender linked with January transfer to Italy
The news that one of Arsenal’s defenders could be the subject of a transfer to Serie A in Italy could be better and it could be worse. It is not Koscielny, Mertesacker or Vermaelen, so that is a great relief. On the other hand, it is not Sebastien `the Squid` Squillachi so that’s very disappointing.
The man in question is Johan Djourou, who was promised first team action this season by Arsene Wenger, has only made one appearance in a game against Coventry in the Capital One cup. That might be a little less than the Swiss international was hoping for.
Many Arsenal fans would be glad to see the back of Djourou but I think that is a bit harsh. When you don’t play regularly then mistakes will happen sometimes if you are called on. He has been unlucky with his opportunities but, when given a run of games, has proved himself capable.
He is a great player to have as cover and Wenger obviously wants to keep him, but it may be the time to move on for Djourou. Unless two centre backs get injured then he will only get very occasional games in the cup or as a substitute.
His agent has told the Italian media that no specific moves have been taken, although rumours have linked him to Roma and Napoli, but they will look at the situation in January, and also stated that Djourou would like to play in Italy some day.
It might be better if he left to give more opportunity to the defenders like Miquel coming through the youth system and, anyway, his name sounds too similar to Giroud.
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A real shame, I think when played in position he has been fairly solid and its the first time we’ve had that in a “fouth choice” centre back for a while….we need this strength in depth
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Djourou is a type of player that u really cant rely on. he plays 2 straight games really good than like the third game he plays as if he is an amateur. to be honest we really don;t need such players at arsenal not when we are really improving and proving despite the drought he we are still a force to be reckoned with. if he move to italy its a good thing him. he will get playing time and gain more experience still he is young and relief wenger from some nagging. and about the squillachi thing. cant we just kick him in the a** and tell him f*** u terminate his contract and feed him to the pigs?
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Some players like Djourou complain about not playing but when they are given their chance they dont perform. What does he expect? When he comes into the team he makes mistakes. How does he expect to play over players who are consistent in their performance? Not a bad player but Kos, mert and Vermaelen are far more consistent.
Opinions divided. What do you think?
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djourou has the most clean sheets out of all our defenders he is a good back up defender to have in the sqaud
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Djourou actually is a good second tier CB. The problem is that most fans (uneducated) base his peformances on the fact he mostly did Wing back cover, and wasn’t very good. Obviously! He’s not a wing back! Furthermore, when he was on the pitch (early last season) our ENTIRE defence was shambollick, not just him. For those who say he’s not “Arsenal quality”, then you might want to look a. His stats vs other players who don’t get played in their positions – try Ramsey as a winger or even Arshavin as a winger. Their stats are also bad in “out of position” play. I swear some people have factual basis for liking or disliking players, often they just hear others complain, then jump on the band wagon. It would be a real shame to lose Djourou. (also if you have ever heard him in an interview, he actually seem like a decent fella …. Nothing like Bendtner).
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he simply has to go, for no other reason than to get playing time. he is a better player than we have seen and will do well if playing every week. he is the andy murry of arsenal center backs.
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Maybe he should go or maybe he should stay. I not sure as I think he is an okay back up defender. On the other hand he has the desire to play first team football and at the moment I dont see that happening.
I just hope if he does leave that if in need the money gets used on Transfers. It would be great if we can throw the squid in for free as part of the package.
Either way we need to get rid of some of the players who are not going to play apart in our title challenge season.
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johan djorou is not leaving his agent has already dismissed it he is staying arsenal could sell squallaci & go for fc basel defender alexander dragovic acc to the media
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I say let him go. Miguel will be more than ready by the time we need him.
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O and for the full back excuse for him….he recently played RB for his national team in their 2 – 0 victory.
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does anyone remember about 2-3 seasons ago when djourou had a run of games at CB and he did a good job. not first team but who else will be better as a 4th choice CB? even man shittys millions only have Savic as 4th choice
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Djorou was along senderos in the back four that kept a record clean sheet in the champions league (2005) it was after he was withdrawn in the final that we let two in .
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Not many good defenders will come to the club and be told they have 3 defenders in front of them. When played in his best position, he is calm and assured. He is not the best at adapting to other roles, having said that, I believe he’s a depth is defence. Even if he needs to go, not at this stage of the season. Like I said in some earlier post, we don’t seem to know the value of our players because they are not playing. Kosc is not getting games as good as we know he can be and look at what happens to him when he is given a chance vs Chelsea.
Competition for places are great and it is only better for Arsenal to have this situation rather than have no options in the event of injuries. Do not sell, IMO.
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how many team have 4-5 world class centrebacks and they are happy???
try having ramos, verm, kompany, Vidic and Thiago as centrebacks in your team…..
see if they are happy on the bench….
maybe they do if they are paid 500k per week to keep their pockets happy…
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For people saying Djourou would make a good 4th choice, my argument is if you have 4 quality defenders, why would any of the 4 be prioritised unless it was to suit the opposition? Currently Wenger is tossing between Verms, Merts and Koz. If we had another quality CB, then Wenger would have to consider all 4 solutions. Right now, Djourou doesn’t seem to be a solution but rather a liability.
We want more depth in our squad just in case of injuries. What’s wrong with having quality depth? NOTHING! Everytime Djourou touches the ball, you can sense an uneasy feeling in the air among fans. Even his peers tell him where he should pass on the pitch. If we want to be serious about winning trophies, we shouldn’t have to deal with this level of apprehensiveness. I’m kind of glad Bould has identified such obvious weaknesses in our defence. No wonder Squillaci and Djourou sit on the bench.
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Do we want Arsenal quality or do we want players that aren’t so bad? Sorry but “not so bad” doesn’t cut it to win trophies! I don’t mean to gloat, but I was a good athlete in school winning Age Champion in Swimming and Athletics in the final 3 consecutive years of high school. I’ve always been into basketball and football though, and played a high level of competitive basketball representing my State for 5 years (although now I wish I had focused more on football – And yes I went to school with Tim Cahill). If there’s anything I’ve learnt from playing against top athletes, then it’s the importance of constantly being around them to improve. Djourou is a weight on the team. We need more competition in the team to push players individually. He doesn’t provide that edge for other players, and albeit other players might help him improve, Djourou still looks out of depth and overwhelmed. How is he to push the other 3 CBs when he can never be as good?
I’ve met athletes similar to Djourou in my time. Most of them make it professionally due to politics, nepotism, favouritism and luck. I don’t respect such athletes because I strongly believe there are so many other young players that don’t get presented with the same opportunities. Players that make it through sheer skill, talent and hard work are ones I admire highly. Obviously they all work hard, but if you weren’t born with talent, you will never be special like your Zidane’s Ronaldo’s and Messi’s NO MATTER HOW HARD YOU WORK! Does Gary Neville ring a bell? Theo can never be as good as Henry, because he doesn’t possess the same natural talent. Guys like Henry, Pires and Bergkamp always had something more. It’s called a gift from God, you can’t teach it!
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