Expert Opinion
Why Thierry Henry’s return will be great for Arsenal
In the summer of 2007 Arsene Wenger courageously and correctly sold Thierry Henry to Barcelona. Despite an inevitable sense of loss, it was a move that replenished the Gunners in a way few expected.
Henry’s aura had been unwittingly impeding the growth of Arsenal’s burgeoning young stars. Unable to express themselves freely with the dominant Frenchman in their midst yet dizzy with confusion when their talisman was stricken on the club’s treatment table, the Gunners limped weakly to a fourth place finish on a meagre 68 points. Wenger recognised the cause of their collective blockage and did what needed to be done.
Four and a half years on, staring nervously at an epic, gruelling run-in that will determine Arsenal’s wavering status as a top four club the north Londoners are once again in urgent need of reinvigoration. And I sincerely hope that Wenger is brave enough to admit that, rather ironically, the man to provide it is the great Henry.
While fans clamour to have their photograph taken next to a bronze statue unveiled in his honour at the Emirates earlier this month, the club’s all-time record goalscorer is still very much alive and kicking.
On the back of a successful debut season in the fast improving MLS, the 34-year-old is loving life. Freed from the pressure of expectation that global superstardom brings, Henry’s ego has faded, replaced instead by a man proud of his past and grateful for any opportunities that the future will bring.
Since jumping at the chance to return to London Colney for a second successive winter training sabbatical, veteran Henry has reportedly been giving Arsenal’s defence nightmares in the Hertfordshire countryside. So much so that both himself and the manager are now seriously considering the most unlikely of reunions courtesy of a two-month loan spell.
Arsenal’s squad could certainly benefit from his talents.
While the class of 2011/12 are unquestionably made of sterner stuff than previous incarnations and team spirit is noticeably buoyant, the departures of Fabregas and Nasri have still clearly left a talent void that few players on the planet could adequately fill.
Henry’s serene acceleration may not be what it once was, but his ability on the ball remains undimmed. He can still finish with aplomb. He can still pick a pocket with a dribble and a pass. He can still play.
Out wide in the shape of Gervinho and Theo Walcott the Gunners have speed and endeavour aplenty but the incisive killer pass, the perfect cross and the cool-headed finish are still somewhat hit or miss. It’s a similar story with the back-up players, too. They’re all good, just not ‘that’ good.
In the centre of attack there is only one Robin van Persie. And that’s the problem. Neither Ju-Young Park or Maraoune Chamakh appear sharp enough or deadly enough to warrant giving the masterful Dutchman a rest, so Wenger is stymied into playing his star turn into submission.
The solution to both problems could be Thierry Henry.
With Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur all likely to strengthen in January the next five months will be the toughest fight yet for Arsene Wenger to guide his men towards another Champions League campaign.
When the tight matches, the ones that make the difference, come around Arsenal must hold their nerve and take the chances that come their way. They need someone who they can rely upon if a hugely important opportunity presents itself, someone with special qualities.
With the Arsenal board indicating in their own quiet, unassuming way that substantial funds could be made available to the manager in January, fans should expect one or two permanent signings to be made and for a premium price Wenger may find his attacking inspiration among the throng of high-profile names touted around.
However, I feel an easy, short-term answer to Wenger’s prayers lies right on his door step.
Thierry Henry will never be the main man again. His presence can no longer block the paths of those around him. He only wants to help. His influence can only be positive.
Henry himself dearly wants to become an Arsenal hero for a second time and I genuinely believe he can fulfil that prophecy.
Follow Adrian Clarke on Twitter @sms_adrian
Follow Life’s a Pitch on Twitter @BTLifesapitch
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