Arsenal’s British core is developing a taste for silver…
Raheem Sterling, Ross Barkley, Jack Wilshere, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Theo Walcott, James Ward Prowse, Danny Welbeck, Luke Shaw and so many others have all failed to live up to expectation.
Take a look at these players’ abilities: the pace of Sterling, Chamberlain and Walcott, the power of Welbeck and Barkley, the technique of Wilshere and Ward Prowse. These players have everything to succeed and become the best players in the world, but what’s going on?
As soon as a promising English player starts to show his talent, the media comes up with headlines and rumors. And some players have to handle that kind of pressure at the young age of 16-17.
On top of that, the transfer price of an English player is ridiculous. Raheem Sterling for £49m, rumors of a John Stones transfer to Chelsea for £30m and the transfer of Adam Lallana to Liverpool last season for £25m..!
Exorbitant prices aren’t helping English players develop, in fact, it hinders their development.
That brings us to our English core of players at Arsenal.
Arsenal’s British Core – incredible image by @Lagvilava
Ability wise, these players are quality. Theo Walcott’s pace and movement is incredible. Oxlade-Chamberlain’s pace, power and ball control is a joy to see. Jack Wilshere’s technique and play brings him close to Isco and other Spanish midfielders. Danny Welbeck has the perfect ingredients to be a world class striker. Calum Chambers can be compared to Marc Bartra of FC Barcelona if not better. Kieran Gibbs and Carl Jenkinson aren’t far away from becoming great full backs as well.
So why do we call Marc Bartra the next Carles Puyol when we have a young Calum Chambers with similar abilities? Why do we call Isco world class, but doubt Jack Wilshere’s ability?
From an English player’s market point of view, and taking into consideration Sterling’s latest transfer, our English players would be worth:
Alex Oxlade Chamberlain £50m
Theo Walcott £35m
Danny Welbeck £25m
Jack Wilshere £42m
Calum Chambers £22m
Kieran Gibbs £15m
Carl Jenkinson £12m
Having said that, I believe Arsenal have the best English talents around and with Arsene Wenger at the helm they will only get better and hopefully reach their full potential very soon.
Will Wenger still be around when his English youngsters mature?
Thanks for reading.
Daniel Baz
Daniel is a 24 year-old Arsenal fan from Lebanon. He was born in Orlando, Florida, but grew up -and now resides – in war-torn Beirut. He has a degree in Business Marketing and is currently studying for a FIFA Sports Management Certificate.
Good article and there are many more young English players coming through.
Well said. COYG!!!!!!!