Players leaving: Page 32 - The Arsenal discussion forum and community: One More in the Tolly

Players leaving

est

Decent interview on Arsenal.com in which the Brazilian has dismissed the chance of leaving(just yet). Also speaks about his rivalry with Gibbs.

Santos has recently been the subject of transfer speculation but he was quick to quash rumours that he was considering a move back to Turkey.

"There were some rumours that my name was involved in this possible comeback," he said. "I had people asking me on Twitter and even players from Fenerbache asking if it was true, but I'm very happy here at Arsenal and I hope to stay here at Arsenal for a long time.

"I have a contract and I'm very happy here, not only at Arsenal but in London too, it is a great city. The Arsenal fans are amazing, this is a great club, and I hope to stay here for a good while."

Good man. 🙂

kamikaze

if he were just more fit, he'd start ahead of gibbs. i think his relative lack of stamina and quickness is why gibbs is getting the nod when both are available.

flobaba

Gibbs is a better defender, and faster.

kamikaze

i just think he's younger, quicker and has more stamina (these are legitimate reasons to start him, of course). but santos has more nous and a better final ball. we've seen guys like gibbs at this club plenty of times. talented, look good when their teammates are playing well, but in pressure situations, they are apt to fuck up.

Mirth

How did Santos even become a fullback if he can't last 90 minutes? It's literally the only attribute you need to play that position.

Santos hasn't shown much nous or discipline yet himself.

Rex

Took him a few games last season to shake off the rust as well. He proved last season that he is a lot better than what he has displayed in these last two games.

I still maintain that Santos and Podolski is a poor pair down that left flank.

Mirth

When did he prove that? He made 20 odd appearances, most of which were off the bench. The initial few were a write off, after that you're left with 3-4 solid games.

Bullshit, Rex.

Rex

I think Santos was really good after about three or four games. I don't like his all in style of defending at all, but after those three or four games his timing was surprisingly good, and he was rarely caught out of position. His injury in that pointless game ended that run of course.

Klaus

Santos took a month to get going last season too. He'll come around.

Rex

Depends on how long Gibbs proves to be out IMO. If reports are accurate then Gibbs should be back in a week or so. Means Santos needs to show some form starting tomorrow if he wants to make it some sort of selection dilemma for Wenger.

He certainly hasn't done himself any favors so far.

Bold Tone

Is it that difficult to get yourself fit when you are a full time professional?
Hell even Ramsey, Eduardo, Diaby and Rosicky managed to do it after lengthy injuries out so i do not see why Santos and especially Arshavin cannot do it

Mirth

Depressed Rex wrote:
I think Santos was really good after about three or four games. I don't like his all in style of defending at all, but after those three or four games his timing was surprisingly good, and he was rarely caught out of position. His injury in that pointless game ended that run of course.

After the Chelsea game, when he genuinely woeful, he played 6 games against opposition: Wigan, Norwich, WBA, Fulham, Marseille and Dortmund. Four of which were at home.

Dortmund aside, that's hardly a sample size that 'proves' anything.

Maybe he will pick up as the season goes along or maybe there's something about his game that you're a fan of. Fair enough.

But so far he's not done anything to justify being the senior left back and back up your assertion of his performances last season.

Klaus

I have no idea whether there are any statistics to prove that Santos was great last season but my opinion from watching him play was that he was, indeed, great once he got going. Managed to cover the whole flank effectively. He also took some responsibility for the midfield and provided passing outlets/angles which we lacked.

He's unfit right now and it's embarrassing to watch, but it's not unexpected. It was the same story last year. Makes me think he's better suited as a starter than a backup. If Gibbs is automatically ahead of him then we should look for a new left-back to keep on the bench as soon as possible.

Bold Tone

Depressed Rex wrote:
I think Santos was really good after about three or four games. I don't like his all in style of defending at all, but after those three or four games his timing was surprisingly good, and he was rarely caught out of position. His injury in that pointless game ended that run of course.

It is the Brazilian high risk style of trying to nick the ball off the winger before he gets it under control. That's why Neymar has so much success in Brazil but may struggle in Europe if he does not adapt. Doesn't work if the attacker is quick and a simple one-two leaves him floundering. It also requires Cafu-like levels of fitness which is why this season he cannot get back into position.

Doc

That 2 footed tackle he does were he opens his legs and jump on his ars is the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen.

Rex

Generally not a fan of players who go to ground unless they really have to. Santos way of defending means he spends just a shade less time on the ground than Suarez does with all his diving.

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