Exploding the Nicklas Bendtner myths and misconceptions

However research and assess I have, well at least from the Premier League. In 4 completed campaigns with Arsenal Nicklas Bendtner has only stared 40 matches as a striker, either one of 2 in 2007-9 or as sole striker in 2009-11 and in those 40 starts he has 15 goals. Again far better than 1 in 3, which is amongst the top echelons in this league?

But surely we need a top international striker to challenge Giroud or play with him?

Well most of you have already discounted Podolski as worthy cover and only about 4 players in the history of German football have scored more for their country than Lukas.

Bendtner has 24 international goals in only 56 internationals including goals at both World and European finals in 2010 and 2012. He is the 7th highest scorer in Danish international history!

3 of those players are not from the modern era and finished playing before even I was born but 3 are greats of the modern game and will be known to all of you

Player	International Goals	Last cap
Jon Dhal Tomasson	52	2010
Pout Neilson	51	1925
Pauli Jorgensen	43	1939
Ole Madsen	40	1969
Preben Elkjaer	37	1987
Michael Laudrup	35	1998
Nicklas Bendtner	24

Nicklas is 25 and having regained his place in the International set up scored twice versus Italy last week. Something the whole English team failed to do in Euro 2012. He should have a good 5 years left at the top level if he can play regular club football and could easily be the greatest Danish goal scorer of all time. I’m sorry but that just does not happen to average players

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An impressive return for Denmark

I am not saying we should not sign a top international striker but unless we change our system/formation are we actually going to sign a replacement for Olivier Giroud? Surely this is unlikely if move for Ba was real?

Okay but will that career be at Arsenal?

My guess is probably not, but not because I do not rate him as a player. Arsenal and Wenger have nailed their colours firmly to a one striker mast and while this is the case that man is Olivier Giroud. However the key question is not whether Bendtner should play each week nor is it whether he is better than the Frenchman. Stats can argue most things but until we see the Dane playing regularly again we will not know if he has learned his lessons of the past 2 years.

What I do know is that IF Wenger wanted to rest Olivier and play the exact same system then Bendtner is the most like for like player to step in. His hold up play has always been good and his link play although not as deft as the Frenchman’s is acceptable. For me it is a question of using the squad and rotation. In the same way as I now see Arteta and Flamini sharing game time based on the opposition I would happily see Bendtner step in for Giroud when he needs a breather. This weekend against a weaker side such as Norwich and 3 days before crucial Champions League must win tie v Dortmund is a perfect example.

Despite his past comments and his apparent desire not to take a pay cut to leave Arsenal both the player and Arsenal stand to gain if he plays. For Arsenal we have back in the fold, perhaps until next summer a like for like replacement for Giroud who has been here, seen it and done it in this league. A player that has everything to play for, and to prove. Most likely this will be a lucrative contract away from North London but how lucrative and at what level will depend on how he performs for Arsenal. I am sure also any potential suitors will be watching to see if this petulant and arrogant young man has grown up in the past 18 months. There are signs already his attitude had improved and that he is willing to work hard and to put it in again for the cannon. This maybe only for a few months, but we are a football club and it is all about winning matches. If Nicklas Bendtner can help us do that in the short term I have absolutely no problem with him being selected and If I am honest I would sooner see him come on for the last 20 right now than Sanogo.

I have probably rambled on for too long but I hope there is some food for thought at least. I will leave you with one final thought and this one makes me smile.

Together again?

The last time I genuinely felt Arsenal would win the Premiership was 2007/8 and I am beginning to feel the same now. So how ironic that the squad in 2013/14 should have Rosicky, Sagna, Walcott, Diaby and perhaps now Flamini and Bendtner in it? Six of the squad 6 seasons later.