None of Arsenal’s current wingers are all rounded players. In Podolski you have a marksman shooter, in Cazorla you have a creative mind and quick feet, and with Walcott you have one of the fastest players in the world and a cool finisher. The potential of Joel Campbell offers a combination of all those wingers attributes. Another key factor with regards to Podolski and Cazorla is that they aren’t natural out and out wingers, as they both prefer to play a central role. Campbell has proven for both Real Betis and Olympiakos that he is well suited for the right wing, utilizing his pace, strength, vision and his keen eye for a goal.
This past season for the Greek Champions, Joel Campbell scored 8 goals and provided as many assists, playing a big part in their League title success. However, Campbell’s most impressive goal was against Manchester United in the Champions League where he scored from outside the box. He could bring to Arsenal a style of play which hasn’t been seen since the likes of Alexander Hleb and dare I say Thierry Henry. Of course he is nowhere near the French icon but the fact that he has exceptional ball control and speed is a deadly combination for any player. Under the guidance of Arsene Wenger, Campbell can learn to intelligently use these attributes to become a star in the Premier League.
If his season at Olympiakos isn’t a great enough indicator of what the Costa Rican can bring to Arsenal, then his performances for his nation at the World Cup would surely force Wenger to include Campbell in his plans for the upcoming season. Playing as the lone striker for Costa Rica has yielded outstanding performances for the 22 year old, showcasing his talent on the grandest stage of them all. Campbell’s goal and assist in the opener against Uruguay helped the side come from behind to secure the 3 points. Against Italy Campbell received the ball on the halfway line and skilfully ran past the Italian defence only to get taken out by Chielleni in what should have been a penalty. The ability to stand toe to toe against a solid backline and prevail is a sign that Campbell is a big game player. Not to mention his extremely cool penalty in the shootout against Greece under enormous pressure.
Seeming to have no fear in his game, Campbell would bring to Arsenal what has been missing for several seasons and that’s taking the game on. Rarely has Wenger played a left footer on the right wing but it seems to be a trend amongst many clubs including Bayern with Robben, Madrid with Di Maria & Bale, and Liverpool with Sturridge. It’d be a fresh style of play for Arsenal as the midfield can play Campbell in behind defenders as well as allow him to cut in and have a shot at goal which Arsenal seem to not do enough.
There have been rumours of Italian clubs wanting to sign the promising wide forward but hopefully Wenger sees true potential in Joel Campbell and allows him a chance to prove himself for Arsenal. Rarely has a player impressed for an underdog side in the World Cup as much as Campbell and it’s a great feeling knowing that the player belongs to Arsenal. Now Costa Rica are out, Campbell can have a break and then return for pre-season with the Gunners.