Arsenal lost a captain once again yesterday and once again, it was Barcelona that came swooping. However, unlike Thierry Henry and Cesc Fabregas in the past, it wasn’t greeted with angry responses from the Arsenal faithful. In fact, the general consensus is that this was a very good deal.
It’s hard to argue differently. Vermaelen was third choice last term due to the form of Per Mertesaker and Laurent Koscielny, whilst the Belgian’s injury troubles didn’t help at all. £15m for a substitute with injury problems over the past 12 months is very good business indeed and we should take our hats off once again to Mr Wenger.
However, Vermaelen was liked at Arsenal. When he arrived he was formidable and, despite a drop of form, he is still a very capable defender- hence why Barcelona came knocking. The Gunners will do well to replace him properly and the signing of a new centre-back could be the most important transfer Arsenal will make all summer.
Here’s 5 reasons why Arsenal will miss him.
1. International Experience
Having three international defenders fighting for two positions in the squad was very competitive and, ultimately, very good. Whoever was chosen in the back-line, the Gunners could expect decent performances of the highest level. Of course, last season this wasn’t always the case with Vermaelen.
However, it will be extremely difficult to get an international defender who is happy to play second-fiddle to the current defensive duo- it’s also extremely unlikely Mertesaker or Koscielny will be dropped. Therefore, we’re essentially in the market for a reserve player.
Hardly the way to attract stars. We don’t pay like Manchester City, so the attraction of the bench isn’t as appealing. Whoever comes in will have a hard job living up to expectations.
2. Cover For Gibbs
Vermaelen’s best position was obviously in the centre but he also provided a decent option on the left-side of defence. Currently occupied by Kieran Gibbs, the left-back position is an area of the pitch Arsenal have struggled in since the depart of he who shall not be named to Chelsea.
Gibbs is very, very capable but unfortunately he has been plagued with injuries for years. Should he pick up another one this term, then Arsenal can enjoy watching the talents of Nacho Monreal- which I’m sure excites you all.
Not only did Vermaelen cover central defence, he also covered the left side- which is ideally what you want from a reserve player.
3. Goals
I’ll put it out there straight away that this hasn’t been enjoyed as much in recent years but who can remember when Vermaelen first arrived at Arsenal and found the net extremely regularly, which propelled him into our hearts. He also earned the nickname ‘Verminator’- which makes you shudder, mostly due to embarrassment.
However, the fact of the matter is Vermaelen could get goals. Not regularly but goals nonetheless, which you obviously need to win football matches. There aren’t many defenders that score consistently but, at a time, Vermaelen was one of them.
It would be painful to see him hit the net regularly at Barcelona.
4. Passion
As a fan, you love to see passion in a player. It’s why Lukas Podolski, Wojciech Szczesny and Carl Jenkinson are loved as much as they are. Vermaelen, though not as much as these guys, was similar.
Hefty tackles , passionate celebrations. Vermaelen did it all and any new player will take time to be just as passionate. This trait doesn’t come with every player and we’re lucky to have so many passionate players in our squad.
But the fact is, we’ve just lost one.
5. FA Cup Memories
Despite the lack of regular playing time last season, the man that lifted the FA Cup trophy at Wembley in May was none other than Thomas Vermaelen. The first trophy Arsenal lifted since 2005, nearly a decade ago.
Lifting a trophy for any club is a big honour but to do it after so many barren years adds something extra to it all. It was also quite appropriate that the man lifting the trophy was a player who had struggled recently with injuries- which in a way optimises Arsenal.
Arsene Wenger sticks by his injured players, just look at Abou Diaby. Vermaelen also benefited from Wenger’s ways and was given the ultimate reward, making the ultimate goodbye- which brings back memories of Patrick Vieiera at Cardiff.