Mertesacker New Academy head

Of course a lot will depend on what formation we play too.

Not sure about that lex. Chambers did pretty well at Boro. I would rather we start folding Chambers/Holding as regulars this season. Then if you add Kos, Mustafi, Gabriel and Monreal. I think big Mert probably won't make the bench.

Okay, I heard mixed reviews for Chambers up there tbh. And remember that was a very defensive side he was playing for too.

Well we can disagree on that. Chambers was a starter and if he had been poor, he simply wouldn't have started under a defensive minded coach. Keep in mind they got that reputation because they were very good defensively but couldn't score enough goals. There are no sympathy votes in a team fighting relegation. Wilshere for example was much hyped but he wasn't a regular because he wasn't good enough.

Now if we stay with 3 at the back you where you would need an extra CB, you would expect:

Holding/Mustafi/Kos to be first choice and Chambers/Gabriel/Monreal on the bench. I just can't see how Mert fits into that.

Personally don't see how Chambers is going to get enough game time with us next season. And tbh I'd sell Gabriel.

Think 'project youth' is something Wenger can no longer afford to indulge in. Chambers should be loaned out again.

Don't think its anything to do with project youth. I prefer someone who can get to a ball than someone who couldn't. Gabriel had some fantastic games as well at the end of the season. We shall see what happens. Mertesacker was going to retire last season. I suppose walking away from £3m is worth a bit of training he will have to do.

Can see Mertesacker playing the Europa/League cup games he is for for tbh.
Think it will be Mustafi LK Nacho 1st choice if a 3.

As I said on the first thread on this, the kids will have someone to look up to.

comment by Darth Stan Kronke the Sith Lord turned Darthen Wenger to the dark side (U16927)
posted 3 minutes ago
As I said on the first thread on this, the kids will have someone to look up to.
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Literally?

No seriously! I have nothing against Mertesacker being appointed the head of the youth academy. I am all for ex-players being involved in coaching.

But for me this announcement smacks of covering a mistake. There was a time when we got rid of good experienced professionals too quickly. However more recently we have gone too far the other way and kept players on long contracts contributing almost nothing. I wish Mertesacker had retired and was appointed right now. Why wait for 2018?