The success of Arsenal this premier league season is not powered by one man, in fact, it is driven by collective affords by the whole team including manager that is paying them well. When we say Gunners are on the top of league leaderboard, we grossly ignore the affords being put in together by the team and it players including those who were earlier ignored as possible starlet to their success and 23-year-old Costa Rican forward Joel Campbell is one such player who was formerly expected to be released on loan but manager Arsene Wenger eventually decided to keep him for the current campaign and we have a new starlet from Emirates Stadium! Although, his journey to secure a consistent place in the team was never easy as he was on the back of players like Alexis Sanchez, Theo Walcott, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain but injuries to several players gave him opportunity that he canalized on as well. He impressed everyone with his unique ball holding style and who can forget his equalizer in FA Cup on Saturday that ensured he would be a permanent team player for the rest of this season.
Talking about his newly discovered asset and how important role he can play for Arsenal’s premier league entitlement, Wenger said, “I have a choice on the flank between many players, and he’s one of the players who has come in at a very sensitive period. What is very interesting in Campbell’s case is he looks like he has gained more confidence and more authority in his game.
“In the final third he is a dangerous player, and he has shown that. When you look at the player, look at the number of goals he scores, the number of assists, and on that front you must say he has been very positive. And he works hard for the team.”
Explaining why he did not let him go on loan and how he got the vibes of his success in this season, Frenchman added, “I refused to let him go, because I saw something in him that gives you belief, because of his attitude. I explained the situation to him, ‘Let’s have a go, and let’s see where you stand in January.’ It’s a bit similar to Coquelin. Football is like that. It can change from one day to the following one. Today you are in the starting lineup and tomorrow you are on the bench. Football is about moments and you have to take them.
“Obviously when someone works well and conscientiously he will always see the fruits, sooner rather than later. I work hard and trust in my ability.”