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Arsenal legend Bob Wilson has backed Wojciech Szczesny win back his place in the side, saying the Poland international must be dedicated. Szczesny has found himself ousted by new signing David Ospina in recent months after a series of poor performances and off-field scandals.
He has not started a league match since the New Year’s Day defeat to Southampton, after which he was caught smoking in the showers and disciplined by the club.
Ospina has taken his opportunity well between the sticks, but Wilson believes Szczesny still has what it takes to regain the position. Wilson made 234 league appearances for Arsenal, becoming one of the club’s most storied goalkeepers. He says he sees similar potential in Szczesny, but maintains that he must prioritize his football. As reported by ESPN FC, Wilson had this to say about Arsenal’s number 2:
“From the time Wojciech got into the Arsenal first team there were a lot who asked if he was good enough and I thought this boy has the potential to really be a solid, outstanding goalkeeper, I still believe that because he is — for his position — still relatively young,”
“All I would a say to him is ‘look, Arsenal is one of the greatest football clubs. If you go from here I am not sure you are ever going to get a club as good as this. At your age now you need to dedicate yourself to being the best you can be, to the exclusion of a lot of other things in your life.'”
Szczesny is expected to be recalled into the team for Monday’s FA Cup clash with United, and gooners will be hoping he takes Wilson’s advice to heart. The cup is Arsenal’s genuine title opportunity at the moment and it doesn’t get any bigger than a quarterfinal clash at Old Trafford.
Wenger hinted at a return for Szczesny saying that the Pole is used to big games and that he won’t be daunted by a sudden re-installation. Let’s hope that is the case on Monday.
