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| Ecco un articolo che ho trovato sul Sun ("leggermente" esagerato il titolo ) Andrey can be our Maradona ANDREY ARSHAVIN can become the Diego Maradona of the Premier League according to Arsene Wenger.Arsenal’s boss will unleash his Russian superstar for the first time today against Sunderland as the Gunners look to close the gap on the top four. And he is convinced that Arshavin — his recent £15million signing from Zenit St Petersburg — has all the qualities needed to become an Emirates legend. At just under 5ft 6in, Arshavin will be one of the smallest players in the top flight.
Wenger said: “Yes, he is quite small. It is amazing that in football people are always concerned about size but one of the best players in the world was Maradona, who was the same size as Arshavin.
“Maradona was 168cms while I think Arshavin is 167 — so it is not a handicap.”
Wenger is more concerned about Arshavin’s ability to adapt to the English game after just one competitive match in the last three months.
He added: “There has always been a question-mark about whether Russian players can make it over here or not.
“There is always a culture shock involved. It’s not like he is coming here from Wales!
“You can never be 100 per cent sure about any purchase. Some Russian players are not exportable, but that is down to their personality. Arshavin has personality, vision and class. And when a player is intelligent and mentally strong he can become even stronger when he goes abroad.
“I believe Arshavin has what is needed because it was his decision to move and have a new experience abroad.
“His biggest problem is that he is not completely match fit at the moment. So we must give him time to adjust.”
Arshavin, 27, is likely to start on the left side of midfield at home to Sunderland today and Wenger believes his presence will give Arsenal the cutting edge and creativity which they have lacked far too often this season.
The Gunners boss added: “What I like about Arshavin is that he is calm in his final ball. Whenever a player can pass people in the final third they have something special.
“We have always played with two creative players on the flanks, players like Robert Pires and Freddie Ljungberg who are very important for our efficiency.
“We are always looking at players who can introduce something special into our team — and I think Arshavin can do that.”
Fellow striker Robin van Persie claims Arshavin has already made his mark at the club.
The Dutchman said: “He has trained a number of times and believe me he is really good. But I knew that from the European Championship quarter-final match when he was unstoppable.
“The memories of that defeat are still painful but if I could have chosen one player out of the Russian team for Arsenal, then it would have been Arshavin. He is class during the training sessions at Arsenal.
“You see it immediately, how he controls the ball, always makes the right choice and the intelligent way he finds space or is always in a playable position.
“He is the ideal age and experience to bring good things for Arsenal. I’m very happy that he’s here.”
Arshavin is ineligible for Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Roma after playing in the competition for Zenit last year.
Wenger also has to cope without striker Eduardo, who pulled a hamstring after his two-goal return to action against Cardiff on Monday, while Emmanuel Adebayor is still ruled out by a hamstring injury.
But Emmanuel Eboue is available for selection today after completing a one-match ban.
Fifth-placed Arsenal trail Chelsea by five points and third-placed Villa by seven and Wenger says it is essential for his team to take advantage of the two sides above them cutting each other’s throats when they meet today.
He said: “We know somebody above will drop points today so we must make sure we beat Sunderland and close the gap.
“I still believe we will finish in the top four but the only chance we have to do that is to be as perfect as possible. If the others are perfect as well, then well done to them.” http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport...icle2258962.eceLasciando perdere il titolo , ciò che dice Wenger è interessante, specie la considerazione sui calciatori russi e sulla loro mancanza di personalità che, seppur non in tutti i casi, mi trova concorde. Ieri anche Nasri si era espresso sulle qualità di Arshavin: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport...icle2253561.ecePare che in allenamento abbia impressionato i compagni, purtroppo però sono riuscito a trovare soltanto questo mini-video con una sola bella giocata: http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/2120548/
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