When Sol Campbell re-signed for Arsenal in January 2010, eyebrows were raised. After a frankly bizarre spell at Notts County, and at 35 years of age, many were questioning whether the former Arsenal hero could still hack it at the top level. His performances however, were more than competent and he established himself as a back-up who could be relied upon. He also netted what could have been a crucial away goal in the Champions League last 16 against Porto into the bargain. With Arsenal currently lacking bodies in central defence, will Arsenal’s loss prove to be Newcastle’s gain?
As he was at Arsenal, Sol Campbell is going to be a back-up player for Newcastle next season, with Steven Taylor and Fabricio Coloccini likely to be forming the first choice pairing in central defence for the bulk of the season. Steven Taylor though is set to miss the start of the season with a shoulder injury which may keep him out for a number of months. Campbell’s services then, might be called upon sooner rather than later. This should be something Campbell is more than capable of doing. Although he may now be lacking a bit of pace, his positional sense is still good, he is tall, strong, combative and most of all brings huge experience to the table. If he does nothing else Campbell should prove a great mentor to learn from for Newcastle’s younger defenders, as a player who has won every domestic honour and picked up 73 England caps. Chris Hughton worked with Campbell at Spurs, and was delighted to land the player, BBC Sport quotes him as stating;
“I have know Sol since he was a lad and am fully aware of what he has to offer. That is experience, quality, calm assurance and leadership. He’s a dedicated professional, a terrific addition to the squad and I look forward to working with him again.”
For Newcastle, it is a no loss situation, there was no transfer fee and Campbell proved last season that he can still cut it in the Premiership. Will it though, be a loss for Arsenal?
The Gunners are really lacking centre-backs at the moment, with Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Koscielny and Johan Djourou the only recognised senior players in this position. Add in the fact that Koscielny is unproven in the Premier League, and Djourou is injury prone, then it looks like Arsene Wenger perhaps should have done more to try and keep Campbell at the Emirates. Quite simply Arsenal do not have enough centre-backs, and if they want to mount a strong challenge for the league and in Europe Wenger will need to bring in another central defender before the window closes. Having let Gallas and Silvestre go this summer, Arsenal would still have needed another centre-back had Campbell stayed, but it would have given Arsenal’s squad greater depth and experience and also have added a home-grown player to the 25 man squads that are now required.
Sol Campbell will want to prove himself again this season, and show that he is still a defender of Premier League class. He is at a great club to do so, Campbell stated himself to BBC Sport that;
“At this stage of my career I couldn’t have wished for a better move. To join a club such as Newcastle, with its proud tradition, heritage and magnificent support, is absolutely tremendous for me.”
He will receive a rapturous welcome at St James Park, and if he performs, Wenger might just regret not keeping him at Arsenal for one more season.
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