05 Jun 2018 14:35:42
Stephan Lichtsteiner has signed, I think it's a great signing.
{Ed002's Note - It is a surprise if he has actually signed.}
05 Jun 2018 15:15:18
Yeah it a decent Free transfer signing. Not exactly going to have the other top table teams quaking in their boots but he will add vast expereince to the defence and and provide good cover. I don't really rate Bellerin now much to be honest so I would actually start Lichtsteiner as 1st choice and if a good offer comes in sell Bellerin.
05 Jun 2018 15:37:15
Agreed. Sell Bellerin to the highest bidder and groom Maitland-Niles to be the long term solution at right back.
05 Jun 2018 15:56:50
Why make him a RB when he's said himself he wants to be a box to box midfielder? He's more than capable of putting Ramsey and Wilshere out of a job. We should use him where he wants to play and stop playing people out of position full stop.
05 Jun 2018 17:24:39
thought he looked more than capable as a full back and he certainly got more game time with the senior squad in that capacity. Good on the ball, lots of pace with the ability to burst forward, likes to cross the ball into the box. with a little more coaching in the defensive department the lad could be a real star in that role imo.
05 Jun 2018 16:53:35
Interesting on other post you think think this is a stupid deal Ed. If that's the right word. Think it's a good bit of business getting someone of his experience and leadership. Something we've been lacking so much. Do see what you're saying tho and obviously I have no clue on wages and signing on fee but I think this could turn out a good bit of business. Who knows tho.
{Ed002's Note - I am not sure about the "leadership" aspects. He is in his mid 30s and will provide cheap cover at RB/RWB. I am not sure that "leadership" from the bench of someone with no background in English football and no knowledge of the club is a sensible way forward. He may be able to jolly along some of the palyers of course.}
05 Jun 2018 20:24:33
I wish Maitland Niles and Nelson the best and really hope they come good, it's been a long time since Cesc and he's the last of our youth products to really make that I can remember.
We have to be realistic about these boys and the young Greek CB too, I've seen people get carried away by 3 or 4 decent games many many times before, Chambers and Holding most recently.
05 Jun 2018 23:39:31
Very true Ed. Perhaps I'm just hoping he can bring something we've been lacking for years. But valid points made there. Appreciate the response. I'm hoping its the first of a few signings.
{Ed002's Note - But to be fair he isn’t English so will be reasonably bright in terms of of footballers.}
06 Jun 2018 00:25:55
😂 Not a fan of the English footballers Ed. To be fair there's many things about English players that annoy me. The attitude and lack of ability whilst the media hype them up and feed there egos even more.
{Ed002's Note - But there needs to be a balance. The issue is that a disproportionally high number of non-English players can articulate in English and come across better than the English players. I talk regularly to ex players who are smart, intelligent and good communicators = the same cannot be said for English players.}
06 Jun 2018 09:05:13
I think the positive aspects of Lictsteiner are being overlooked/ undervalued here. This is a player who has played at the top level for years, including champions league finals and a league where defending is a way of life. He has a grit and hardness similar to our defenders of old. Although he is old and may not be the future he brings what Arsenal have lacked for years, toughness and a win no matter what mentality. So while he may not be the answer long term I think/ hope that he has been identified as someone who cab help influence the young generation of talented players we have and have a positive effect on the ethos/ mentality of the club as a whole.
06 Jun 2018 09:31:49
Will he makes us any worse?
Will he bring with him a cosy attitude?
Will he be excited by the prospect of getting thrashed criticised and have his character questioned by every pundit and fan across the country?
If the answer is no to all of the above them how can he be a bad signing?
He alone might not be the solution to all our problems but he may well be a part of the solution.
No he didn't cost 100s of millions and his name isn't Lichstinio but if you can get past the window dressing not being exciting he could prove to be much more valuable to us than some of the 30 million plus players we've signed in recent years.