Sol - No rumours

Let's make this clear from the beginning. Sol is a colossus and the absolute rock at the heart of our defence. The sooner he's back (and at his best) the better for Arsenal (and although I don't care about it – for England as well).

He's also is a rarity in the modern game. A true 'number 6' who relies on both strength of body and strength of character, but is also agile enough to put in countless perfect tackles. There is a reason why whenever he turns up at an international tournament he is invariably picked for the 'Best of Tournament' team.

Recently, though, it's fair to say his form has been abysmal. And it is fairly recent – not the season long malaise claimed by some. It wasn't that long ago that Ferdinand getting picked ahead of him for England was a laughable idea. Things have changed though, and in a young, patchwork defence where he should have been the pivot he has just been the weak link. Tellingly Wenger said that fitness wasn't an issue.

We also have a fair idea what sort of person Sol himself is. A deeply private man who chose us above the likes of Barca and Juve because he could stay close to his family and his roots. He's also one of that rare breed of footballer – one who wants to better himself in other directions. In fact off the pitch he doesn't tick any of the boxes a stereotypical English footballer would.

What are we to make of what's going on?

Well we could always act like spud fans and resurrect old and spurious rumours about him, the rumour made 'fact' by the line you hear every time there's a made up story going round... 'The news of the screws are doing an expose Sunday'.

Personally I think it's been a downward spiral since he got injured in that England match and Rio came on. After that he started to make the odd mistake for Arsenal, and I'm sure he's not the sort of person who needs to be told. Other defenders started getting injured so there wasn't a settled defence for him to rely on which made him have to step up more; not to mention the absence of a Paddy type player in front of him. It's a credit to the man that his lack of form was so noticeable, because despite everything he was still showing and working.

It's easy to speak with hindsight but over the last few weeks he's been playing more and more long balls out of defence. Again, an example of him not hiding from his lack of form, but trying to do something positive.

What next?

Well there's an old phrase about form being temporary whilst class is permanent. He's suffering a crisis of confidence but has shown on occasion that he has still most definitely got it.

There are parallels with the situation of Tony Adams in 97/98. Another colossus (who to be fair was turning into a 'sensitive' man as well) suffering a crisis of confidence. Okay, there was an injury problem as well, but basically TA was worried he couldn't do it at the top anymore, and neither is the type who could play on and not be the best.

With TA it was a spell in the south of France that restored his fitness, and a chance meeting with Marco van Basten that restored his desire. He came back playing some of the best football of his career, and we all know how that season ended!

I fully believe Wenger can do the same with Sol. Maybe a couple of days to clear his head was just what he needed, or maybe he'll need longer. Only the boss and Sol can decide what is right, both for the club and the player. And it has to be right for both. He's only good for us if he's ready to play, and we're only good for him if we're prepared to wait for that time.

It was obvious from the chants of the Arsenal fans at Birmingham that we're with him, and I'm certain that he'll have the full support of the rest of the squad when he returns. They trust him, and so do I.

User Comments

User Comments

• Got something to say?
• Read comments

Vs chelsea