Arsenal: What Type of Player Is Arsene Wenger Looking For?

Throughout the summer, Arsenal fans have been loudly voicing their displeasure at Arsene Wenger for not bringing in any “star” player. There has been only one main addition, in Gervinho, and several key departures that currently weakens the club from last year’s roster.

Wenger has resisted spending money even though Arsenal has the most money to spend, and this has infuriated the faithful even more. He preaches patience and wants fans to trust him while he finds players that will fit into his system. While most people are losing faith in him, his track record speaks for itself with having developed some special players.

I’m also getting frustrated and want solid reinforcements into the squad but keep trying to remind myself that Wenger has been right in the past when it comes to choosing players. Every time a player is linked to Arsenal, I ask myself if they would fit into the mold of a “Wenger player."

Wenger always looks for certain characteristics in a player. He’s usually younger, has a great work ethic, has speed, is unselfish and has decent ball control.

One of the greatest players who flourished under Wenger was Thierry Henry. When Wenger originally signed Henry at Monaco, he was a winger with speed who could pass but had trouble with his shot. After a few years getting adjusted as a pro footballer, Wenger moved him to striker and he kept improving.

When Henry joined Arsenal in 1999, Wenger put him at striker full time and after a rough start, he arguably became Arsenal’s greatest player ever.

Other players with similar characteristics that Wenger may mold into the next Henry are Theo Walcott and Gervinho. Both players have great speed as wingers and are very unselfish with a great first touch on the ball.

Walcott is starting to be more confident in his shooting ability, which benefited Arsenal in advancing to the Champions League against Udinese.

Gervinho also has similar characteristics to Henry. He found the back of the net in the preseason, but has looked hesitant in shooting during the first few games. Once he gets comfortable with his teammates, don’t be shocked if he grows throughout this year and becomes a prolific scorer.

Wenger also takes pride in developing players through the youth academy and teaches them how to play the “right way.” One of the better players who thrived under Wenger was Cesc Fabregas.

Wenger spotted Cesc in Barcelona’s youth academy and was impressed with his maturity. Wenger immediately inserted Cesc into the first team and he was the youngest player to ever score a goal for Arsenal. Cesc’s confidence in his teammates and Wenger’s trust in him allowed him the freedom to make decisions on the field and control the flow of the game. Cesc always played the game with no fear against any opponent and played his best in the biggest games.

Similarly, Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey are other young players whom Wenger has developed that are well-rounded and play with a sense of urgency. They will eventually learn in their decision-making and take over Cesc’s role of controlling the pace of the game.

Two other players who developed in Arsenal’s youth system are Henri Lansbury and Emmanuel Frimpong. These players are being integrated into the first team and will have a lot of opportunity to prove their potential.

One thing is clear: Wenger will never compete for the high priced players that Manchester United, Manchester City, Barcelona and Chelsea buy.

Players who play Wenger’s style of football and could be candidates to join Arsenal in the next few days are Eden Hazard, Marvin Martin, Gary Cahill and Scott Dann. They are all ambitious, unselfish, young, have a lot of potential and would work well with the current players. That’s why as frustrating as he is, we should give Wenger the benefit of the doubt...until tomorrow.

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