He was once
just a regular German teenager trying to chase his big dreams, now he’s a
regular for one England’s largest clubs. It’s Serge Gnabry, the speedster from
Stuggart, putting the pen to paper on what is set to keep him at the Emirates
until 2018. Not bad for a kid who was virtually unknown a few years back. Now
he’s being thrust into the spotlight as a winger with endless potential to
become of the game’s greats.
It all
started two years ago when the youngster was bought from his hometown club VFB
Stuggart. At 16 years of age, his quality was that of a player much older,
granting him access to Steve Bould’s U-18 side. Match after match he showed his
blistering pace, technical ability and drive for the goal. This was enough to
earn him his first call up to the senior side on September 26th,
2012, where he came on as a substitute in Arsenal’s 6-1 win over Coventry City
for a League Cup Tie.
Fast
forward to now and you can see Serge Gnabry #44 on almost every team sheet for
Arsène Wenger’s top of the league side. This opportunity has been presented at
a time where fit right wingers are a luxury for the league leaders, with Theo
Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain both out due to injury. Playing Stoke City
at home was enough for young Gnabry to earn his first start for the first team.
His pace, strength and technical ability make it easy to forget those who once played
on the right side of the pitch. Hard work finally paid off for Gnabry as he was
able to find the back of the net at Swansea for his first league goal. Gnabry
must be credited for his adaptability and work ethic as he is often the only
choice for the right wing position, and the amount of work he puts into every
minute he is on the pitch astounds me.
Do I think
Gnabry is good? Yes. Do I think he shows promise to become our right winger in
the future? Yes I do. Do I think he can hold on to the starting job when The Ox
and Theo come back? No I don’t. Why? Because you have to remember, Gnabry is a
prospect, a developing young talent. He is not ready to play at the top level
every night, while there are more suitable options available. Don’t get me
wrong, Gnabry has some quality, but there are a few aspects of his game which
are in need of some tweaking. His finishing and positioning is something that
could definitely use a touch up. To add to that, his ball control could use
some more practice. Remember, every player has to start somewhere.
All in all,
Serge Gnabry is the typical Arsenal player. One who works hard and is willing
to do whatever it takes to win the match. All we need to do now is wait. Wait
until he gets some more experience, rather than using pure raw talent. He does
show some qualities about him that should have Arsenal fans excited for years
to come about what may be one day. All I can say as of now is be patient,
Arsenal Fans. The time will come, where Serge will develop into a superstar and
an Arsenal superstar. All we have to do is wait, wait until Theo and The Ox
decide that its time to pass on the right winger torch onto him.
@ZachAFC
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