Arsenal FC: Why Arshavin Should Not Have Been Sent out on Loan

Does anyone remember the problems Arsenal was going through in 2009? At the time, we had the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy all still at the club.

We were struggling to secure a fourth position finish that would see us challenge for Champions League qualification. And then, Arsene Wenger did something that not many backed him to do. He spent some dough.

A deal was struck to bring in a man, 28 years of age, all the way from the chilly Russian conditions to the slightly less chilly English atmosphere.

The deal had its skeptics, as big money deals usually do. Some thought the Russian was too cocky, others felt that he would not be able to adapt to the quick paced nature of the league, and then there were those who believed Arshavin would never fit into Arsenal's system and would only be used as a substitute at best.

Boy, were they wrong! 

The diminutive Russian captain immediately made an impact in England for his new club, an impact so big he was even compared to the top players in the world at the time that led to rumors about a possible transfer to Barcelona, the club of his dreams (remember how Iniesta came out saying that it was unfortunate that the Catalans missed out on his signature the previous season).

Not only did Arshavin's signing procure Champions League qualification for the Gunners, it also led to us being seen as genuine title challengers in the following season.

It's true that two years have passed since then and his performances have not been as breath-taking as they used to be, but a player does not lose all his abilities just like that.

What's missing in Arshavin's game is confidence. And you really can't blame him. A player of his ability is bound to feel let down by the lack of game time he is getting. I still believe he does have a place on this team, possibly even in the central midfield role. 

I know I'll get a fair deal of criticism for this view, but the sole reason why I believe he can slot in admirably in that position is that he has an eye for passes. His vision is incredibly superior to many others in the team. What he lacks in his work rate, he can make up for in terms of keeping possession in the heart of midfield along with the likes of Mikel Arteta and Alex Song. 

He still displays his class when he comes on, although such moments have been few and far between, with the most noticeable one coming when he set up Henry to clinch the game against Sunderland in the dying stages of the match.

Also, with the flair that he possesses, you can trust him to make some bursting runs every now and again. What aids him further is the fact that he is nearly equally adept with both feet, considering he is traditionally a right-footed player who plays on the left wing.

At this point of time, Arsenal really could not afford to lose out on another experienced player, and in Arshavin, if nothing else, we at least had a more than useful substitute option.

It's a huge mistake to send him back to Russia, and I can only hope for the sake of the team that I'm wrong.