RE: David Bentley’s Comments
Dear Theo,
So old David thinks you should leave Arsenal to get field time, does he? Well, it’s worked out pretty well for him over there at Blackburn, no doubt about it.
He’s had a chance to play with some pretty good players, like Gamst and Friedel and Santa Cruz, and a lot of fair to middling players like Savage (before he went to Derby) and McCarthy and Emerton. He’s threatening to break into the England side on a regular basis, and he does get regular playing time.
He’s definitely got some valid points.
But then he doesn’t get to play games like our victory the other night at the San Siro, nor is he likely to in the near future. He isn’t learning the game from multiple positions to increase his footballing intelligence. He isn’t playing beside potential legends like Cesc and Gallas and Sagna and even you.
He doesn’t have to pry players like Rosicky and Gilberto (the Captain's of their respective nations) out of their positions to get regular starts either. And his move certainly didn’t help him get into the last World Cup squad, which you did and certainly will again.
When I think about how long I waited to break into the squad as a first team regular, I can understand Bentley’s frustration and why he left. I seriously considered leaving myself this summer. But I didn’t. I stayed and fought, and I am a better player for having fought than I would be if I had decided to head to a mid-table team so I could rack up minutes.
It may take a while to get our chance from Arsene, but we do get our chance. And you are so close right now.
How much longer can Emmanuel stay as the first choice on the right with his indiscipline, particularly with how well you’ve been playing? Not long. And how long will it be before you are regularly popping up as a striking partner for Nick or Manu or VP? Not long.
So my advice to you, Theo, is to thank David for his concern, but stick to your plan.
You are already a legend here. I know you’ve heard the fans excitement when you come on the pitch. They already love you more than anyone but Cesc.
Not only will you get the chance you crave, it will be soon. And once you do you will be as regular as me. You are Arsenal’s future. You shouldn’t be Blackburn’s or Man Citeh’s or West Ham’s or anyone else’s.
Yours,
Mathieu Flamini
8 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Andrew McNair about 1 year ago
Interesting piece Brad. Thanks as always.
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Brad Simkulet about 1 year ago
Cheers, Andrew
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Simon Martin about 1 year ago
A very interesting take on the article, I'd love to know what Mathieu Flamini would make of this! He'd probably agree with you on this one, especially given Bentley's rather outrageous claim that he was playing better football at Everton...I think not!
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Ken Foss about 1 year ago
an Incredible structure and a great topic should players stay or should they go? but its not really funny and Theo is 20 Bentleys 24 so a National team spot is in Theo's Cards. Capello loves his pace. (which is why hes never like David Beckham)
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Brad Simkulet about 1 year ago
Yeah...not terribly funny, I admit. But I really didn't know how to classify this one. I thought the structure needed some explanation since I was pretending to be Flamini, and I thought the built in Humor tag would cover my ass.
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Salaar Arshad Shamsi about 1 year ago
England,in that case does not have a shortage of wingers who have pace are they?? Lennon,Wright Phillips,Agbonlahor,Pennant,Milner,Bentley..boy there's competition on the right wing..
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Ken Foss about 1 year ago
not a terribly huge deal, at the end of the day, its still a great piece.
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Salaar Arshad Shamsi about 1 year ago
Add Theo Walcott to that..but in I think Beckham's won Capello over,atleast for the next couple of friendlies.
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