Emmanuel Eboue? Now That Is Madness

I wrote a recent article where I claimed Arsene Wenger's transfer policy was mad. It was debatable. Even I, myself, have to admit that "mad" was a tad of a stretch, no matter how frustrating his policy on transfers can be.

There is one decision of his that is purely mad, though: his decision to treat Eboue like a regular starter (in the abscence of Theo Walcott) at right mid for a team that claims to be among Europe's elite. It is mad, inexplicable, and a never-ending source of puzzlement to me and Arsenal fans alike.

Before this gets ugly, let me clear things up. I think this guy was a good, serviceable right back when he played there a couple seasons back. Eboue the RB? I have no beef with that. Eboue the RM? A disaster.

Also, I have no interest in mercilessly criticizing this guy and by no means agree with the actions of those fans that booed him in recent matches. For me, a player should never be booed by his own fans for poor performances unless a clear lack of desire and effort was present. He can look lethargic at times and often dives a but too much, but not to the degree that booing would deserve.

If the boo birds must be satiated, direct them at the man who puts out the squad and makes bizarre, liable-to-fail lineups: Arsene Wenger.

That established, Eboue has no place being the starting right mid for Arsenal. Sure, he will show some pace, some skill, and even some cleverness at times, but, by and large, Eboue offers nothing to the team if not negatively affects Arsenal.

He misplays passes constantly. He squanders what few chances others send his way. He generally looks like a laugh on the pitch, not a threatening winger.

I know the explanation Wenger might give, which would involve something or the other about defense, experience, and how he believes in Eboue's ability. While the last part is standard Wenger rubbish not a soul really listens to, defense and experience may be legitimate claims.

Given his utter lack of presence, it is hard to see what great defensive capabilities he offers. What more, a dynamic offensive player is much more vital to both Arsenal and to Arsenal's (theoretical for the time being) open, flowing style of play.

Experience? It is hard for me to see how experience matters when you are no good and look like a nervous, discombobulated wreck on the field.

This is in the end a chicken and egg argument, in that it is hard to know which is the result of which, but, with all his bad play and the bad vibes he has in no uncertain terms received from the crowd, he has looked increasingly nervy and uncertain on the field, further worsening his play.

This sentiment, that Eboue is horrible at right wing and Wenger is mad to play him there regularly, is hardly a novel one. So, what alternatives are there?

The best would be to magically heal Walcott, who would keep Eboue out of a regular lineup. Even Walcott, however, is probably not best playing regularly, but as a second half sub that gives the side a spark through his unworldly pace.

Or Wenger could look for a replacement that not only would replace Eboue, but would restore Walcott to a role for which he is better suited for the very short time being. One Russian lad, what's his name, Arshavin, comes to mind. I know there is all sorts of haggling going on between Arsenal and Zenit, but he would be a large step in remedying the Eboue problem.

Within the squad at the moment, there are better options than Eboue. Carlos Vela, while still a little unseasoned and only OK in his sub performances, should be given a test run as a starter. In a starter's role, do better and may find it easier to get comfortable (call him the un-Bendtner?). If so, he would give Arsenal a clinical offensive edge that Eboue could not dream of offering.

As much as I hate to say it, Denilson, at the present moment, might offer more at right mid. He lacks the skill set to be a dangerous offensive player on the wing, but his work ethic cannot be questioned. This is by no means something I would strongly advocate, but after the string of Eboue performances, Wenger must reconsider, or he really is mad.

Perhaps Wenger knows more than we do, and there will be a change coming shortly for Eboue. Surely he must see, much as we all see, that he is not up to Arsenal standard on the right wing. He better make a change shortly, I don't care what, or I will have little doubt in my mind that Wenger is beginning to lose the script.