Antonio Valencia can reinvent himself as a central midfielder, according to his manager. Per Mertersacker admits to communication issues in Arsenal’s defence as Mikel Arteta looks to step out Cesc Fabregas’ shadow. Bryan Ruiz is struggling to adapt to the Premier League, while Adel Taarabt wants more money…
Sir Alex Ferguson reckons there’s an adaptability to Antonio Valencia’s game that bodes well for the Ecuadorian’s game time at Man United. The recent form of both Nani and Ashley Young has made it difficult for Valencia to earn a place on the wing and he has, of course, being filling in at right-back from time to time. Fergie, however, while praising his defensive displays, feels the player is also an option in central midfield for the champions:
There’s a natural instinct in Antonio to help out and defend. Of course, we know all about Antonio’s qualities as an attacker, but he’s so quick and so powerful that he’s also suited to a full-back role. He is incredibly difficult to beat if you’re trying to get around him. We also see him as an option in the centre of midfield. He’s very disciplined and able to carry out any instruction we give him.
Wigan’s poor start to the campaign hasn’t been helped by the thigh injury to key centre half Antolin Alcaraz. Forced off in the Gameweek two match with Swansea, the Paraguayan’s presence has been sorely missed but he’s making good progress, according to Richard Evans, the club’s head of sports medicine:
He had a scan at the start of the week and it shows the tissue is healing really well and we have been told we can push on with more strength and power work with him. Hopefully when we are comfortable with the work he is doing and he can tolerate what we are doing then we can introduce him back into the squad.
New boy Per Mertersacker has admitted he’s struggling to settle at Arsenal. The Gunners sit two points off the relegation places after a dire start to the campaign and in an interview with the German FA website, the centre half feels the new signings are yet to click as Arsene Wenger’s side struggle for any semblance of form right now:
Sometimes it feels like an extended holiday. Only slowly am I starting to get used to the fact that the centre of my life is now actually in London. I still have communication problems, but given the circumstances this is inevitable. But it is clear that mistakes happen. They are almost inevitable in a team which has not yet gelled.
Mikel Arteta has also been talking about his start to life as an Arsenal player. The Spaniard was mooted as a direct playmaker replacement for former skipper Cesc Fabregas but with Jack Wilshere injured, he’s been sitting deeper, allowing Aaron Ramsey the more forward role in central midfield. As Arteta admits, he needs to forge his own identity in the Gunners side, rather than spend life in his compatriot’s shadow:
I am not here to replace Cesc and I would be wrong to try that. I have no aim to become that. My target is simply to try to reach my highest level as a player and to help the team. Cesc was at Arsenal for seven years. I have been here for a few weeks. If I try to be equal to or better than him, I would be confusing myself. We’re different personalities with a different style. I must find my own way to do well for Arsenal.
A sensational hat-trick from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in England U21’s 3-0 win over Iceland will have given Arsene Wenger food for thought. The Gunners £12m summer signing from Southampton continues to vindicate his manager’s decision to shell out such a hefty fee and having scored in his last Arsenal start in the Champions League win over Olympiacos, Oxlade-Chamberlain is looking like stiff competition for Theo Walcott for that starting role wide right.
Paul Scharner may have been dropped from the West Brom starting XI of late, but the club are delighted with his response. Scharner was an automatic pick in the first few weeks of the season but his place in the Baggies central midfield area has been handed to Graham Dorrans in the last couple of games. Assistant manager Michael Appleton has nothing but praise for his attitude:
I have definitely seen a positive reaction. Paul is what he is, he’s a character and he’s got a lot to say for himself at times but not in a bad way. I expect him to carry on with the reaction he has given straight away.
Wolves midfielder Nenad Milijas is mulling over his options after falling out of favour at the Midlands club. The playmaker has made just two appearance this term –both in the Carling Cup- and reckons if the current situation fails to improve, he may have to move on in the January transfer window.
Fulham’s record signing Bryan Ruiz has admitted he’s somewhat overwhelmed by the pace of the Premier League. The Costa Rican had a nightmare debut against Blackburn and barely touched the ball before being subbed off at half time in Gameweek four. Since then, Martin Jol has afforded him brief sub appearances last on in the second half of each of the last three games as Ruiz attempts to adapt at Craven Cottage:
I’ve not had a comfortable time so far. When I played in Holland I used to have an extra second to think. That makes a big difference. Here I am placed under greater pressure and get less time to act on the pitch. You also get more one-on-one situations in Dutch football. Here you get two players breathing down your neck straight away.
Adel Taarabt continues to give Neil Warnock cause for complaint. Subbed off last week at half time, the Moroccan stormed out of Craven Cottage while QPR were turned over by Fulham and speaking at his country’s training base yesterday, Taarabt is reported to have claimed he’s looking for a way out of Loftus Road, citing financial reasons as the main factor.
