http://sulia.com/channel/la-liga/f/b11ddb7a-f217-4734-ad27-2891cd53a0ad/
by Guillem Balague
In between advertising my book on Pep and the book tour (yes, I know, I am
sorry, I will stop soon!), I made some calls this morning to two La Liga
managers and a former player to discuss Monreal and his move to Arsenal
The first thing to say is that the injury to Gibbs accelerated the deal. The
player got a plane at 6pm yesterday after having contact his agents only
hours previously. Interestingly enough, Arsenal had been in touch before
months ago to find out his availability.
Secondly, Monreal is a very improved player. His last two seasons have seen
him make a big jump in quality. He is a clever defender, very solid
defensively (he is a defender first), powerful, good in areal balls and when
he goes forward he does damage because he chooses well his runs. One of the
coaches told me he is the best full back in Spain after Alba. Big accolade!
He is not spectacular but he is regular, which in today’s football is a huge
virtue. He has had injury problems in the past, so they will need to monitor
that.
But all in all, an intelligent signing and one that will not win games but
will make the team better.
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http://tinyurl.com/bzll2jf official site
AW:
“ We believe he has the quality,” the manager told Arsenal Player.
“He has been educated at Osasuna. He went from there to Malaga, where
he has grown in stature.
“He’s a very intelligent player and plays the kind of game that can
adapt to our style of play. That’s the main reason we bought him.
“It’s always stimulating [to make a signing], because it’s always a
sign of hope and new ambition.
“I feel this squad is very focused and highly motivated to do well. We
don't need that [stimulus] but if it helps, it’s better. What is most
important is that when the player plays, he shows quality. That is the
best way to help the squad.”
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http://tinyurl.com/9wwlb2w
by David Cartlidge
After finding quality and value at Malaga in the form of Santi Cazorla,
Arsenal have returned once more to the Spanish club to add to their squad,
this time for left-back Nacho Monreal.
The 26-year-old has been a solid, dependable presence in La Liga now for many
years, first with a struggling Osasuna outfit, before getting his much
deserved big move to Malaga.
Rumours of his destination had swirled for many years, with the big guns like
Barcelona, Real Madrid and Valencia all being linked. Last summer Athletic
Bilbao tried to acquire his services, but that deal fell flat.
Monreal came through the ranks as a genuine full-back, unlike many Spaniards
these days who end up being converted from a winger.
It's no surprise then that he has strong defensive attributes: he's physical,
tough and astute positionally.
Decisive in the tackle, he also possesses good speed to allow himself margin
for recovery as well as burst upfield.
In an attacking sense Monreal is no weak link either.
He can link up well with the attack and swing in a fine cross.
Going back to his time at Osasuna, a lot of their play is focused on an
aerial attack meaning the likes of Monreal had to work heavily on their
crossing and general delivery.
We've seen with Cesar Azpiliceta's success at Chelsea, the balance between
attacking and defending can be found - both came through the Osasuna ranks
and hold many of the same traits.
Don't expect any blistering spells of skill, or unnecessarily cavalier
defending from Monreal. He's steady and competent in his area, but this is by
no means a negative - this sort of presence will offer so much to a team and
will be one less problem area in the back line.
This season he's grown to be an even more important component in Malaga's
system, offering more of an attacking presence than ever before.
If there were any doubts about his ability to step up a level, his
performances with Malaga in the Champions League against both Zenit and
Anderlecht were magnificent.
He received his first cap for Spain in 2009 and was seen as Joan Capdevila's
replacement at left-back, until the incredible development of Jordi Alba in
Spanish football.
He has remained a regular in the Spanish squad however, and will continue to
do so if he maintains his recent form.
Nacho began learning English last summer so will have basic knowledge, but
most of all he'll arrive with an appetite to compete.
He'll be fine competition for Kieron Gibbs at the Emirates and his arrival
will surely press the England International to improve his own game.
In summary, we're looking at a classic Mr Dependable, the sort who are
undervalued but should perhaps be more appreciated. Some might suggest
that's exactly the sort of player Arsenal need.
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我個人認為我想要贏得獎盃。但是我同時也相信，在大球會，你也需要擁有一種比賽風格
。通常情況下兩者是一致的，儘管並不總是這樣。但是我仍然相信，如果沒有一種持續的
比賽風格，在長期你不可能作為一個在世界範圍內享有盛譽俱樂部倖存下來。爭取冠軍的
最好方式，就是擁有一種自己的比賽風格，擁有一種代代相傳的球隊文化，從小球員到成
年球員，那就是我們試圖創造的東西。目標和目的就是為了贏得獎盃。－Arsene Wenger
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※ 編輯: Nvboy 來自: 59.104.58.229 (02/02 00:02)