Hopefully he is a no nonsense defender who puts his body on the line, a player who can dominate in the air
Now there was a surprise, we signed a player out of nowhere. Nobody knew anything of this Thomas Verminey bloke until he signed the deal. I of course am talking a load of rubbish, nothing to do with anything either.
Yesterday afternoon Thomas Vermaelen signed a long term contract with our club and had very positive things to say.
“Firstly, I have to say that I’m sad to be leaving Ajax and I would just like to thank everyone for their help and friendship towards me over the past eight years.
“I’m just so happy to be joining Arsenal. This is a great Club with a world class manager, high quality players and a fantastic stadium. Everything is set up for Arsenal to be very successful for years to come and I joined this Club because I know Arsenal will be challenging for trophies.
“I have had a good taste of the Champions League during my time with Ajax and this is something I am looking forward to experiencing again with Arsenal. I’m also looking forward to playing in the English Premier League, which for me, is the best league in the world. Also, I just want to assure the Arsenal fans that I will give everything for this Club and I hope we can enjoy winning some trophies together next season.”
It is nice to hear a player genuinely sound excited about joining the best team in the world but hey why wouldn’t he. We have bought another young player who has the best years ahead of him but he certainly is not lacking in experience. 143 appearances for Ajax at that age says it all. A captain at his former club suggests that he is a leader which is exactly what we need further back.
I cannot really comment about his playing ability as I do not remember him from our past games with Ajax but hopefully he is a no nonsense defender who puts his body on the line, a player who can dominate in the air. If anyone has watched him before can you let me know if he is quick over the deck because I have no idea. I am trying to download some old Ajax games but I have having trouble finding any.
Arsene Wenger said:
“Thomas is a great signing for Arsenal Football Club, and we are all delighted that he is joining us. Thomas is a solid performer with good experience of Champions League and UEFA Cup football and is also a regular with the Belgium national team.
Thomas is primarily a left-footed centre back, but he’s multi-functional and can also play at left back. He is strong technically with a positive winner’s attitude and I have no doubt his arrival will strengthen our team. Thomas Vermaelen will be a huge asset to Arsenal.”
Strengten our team ey? He usually says squad but maybe I am jumping on his comments a little too much. I suppose when you pay that amount for a player then you expect him to start. The question on everyones lips is what happens to the likes of Toure and Gallas? I personally would not be happy about seeing any of them leave the club but I cannot imagine that either one of them would stay to sit on the bench.
William Gallas is our best central defender but at the age of 31 you would put your money on the Frenchman being the one to seek pastures new.
With Kolo Toure and Alex Song to be missing for the ACN our options without any departures would look like this.
Kolo Toure
Alex Song
Thomas Vermaelen
William Gallas
Johan Djourou
Mikel Silvestre
Phillipe Senderos
Potientially we could have two from that list leaving the club which would leave us short at the back, not just physically for a change.
If someone is to leave then I guess that Wenger would be back on the central defender market.
For those who want to know how he pronounces his name, the click the play button.
Right gotta make tracks, enjoy your Saturday.
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