There have been many highlights of the World Cup so far. Among them Van Persie’s goal, the humiliation of Spain at the hands of the Dutch and Uruguay’s shock loss will be rated very high. But if there is another feature of this World Cup, it has been the form of Joel Campbell of Costa Rica and how he caused the biggest upset of the World Cup 2014 so far helping his nation beat South America giants Uruguay.
The Arsenal man, who enjoyed a successful loan season at Olympiacos, stunned everybody with his display on the field and Arsene Wenger must be thanking his stars for Campbell to hit the right form at the right time. The French manager must be enjoying the thoughts of uniting with this youngster and this time he would not be loaned out to another smaller club for sure. We take a look at three reasons why Joel Campbell can be vital asset for Arsenal.
Versatility
Joel Campbell can not only play as a striker, but he is also as good a player on the wings and we have already seen that at Olympiacos this season. He can be the alternative to Podolski at Arsenal, operating from both the centre forward position and the wide positions and that can be crucial for the Gunners. Next season, Ramsey is supposed to partner Ozil at the centre of the pitch and there a player like Campbell can add to the speed and edge to the creative side of Arsenal’s game. Lucas Podolski has a tendency to get injured and there were times during last season, when the wafer thin squad could not deal with the injuries suffered, something which could be managed a lot better with the arrival of Campbell.
Proven talent
Joel Campbell is no risky bet that Arsene Wenger has to play. He has already shown what he is capable of at different stages. Having spent three seasons on loan after joining Arsenal at different clubs, he has now established himself as one of the most promising attacker in the world. Last season his display for Olympiacos was praiseworthy and he even made a mark in the Champions League with his side when he scored from long distance against Manchester United. This World Cup can be a game changer for him, a tournament where everyone finally acknowledges his talent. If Campbell is brought back to the Emirates, Arsene Wenger would have a potential match winner at his hands someone who can be a star in the near future.
The missing depth
Arsenal should buy a striker this season, as the reports suggest. But they were also supposed to buy a striker last season and they didn’t. when it comes to Arsene Wenger and transfer policies, it is not over till it is actually over and thus again a situation may arise at the end of the transfer window that they have Giroud and Sanogo as their forwards. In this scenario Joel Campbell can be of much help as he is as good a player to lead the attack of a team and also to come off in the later stages and make an impact.