The Sol man

James Dall looks at the pros and cons of Arsenal re-signing Campbell

Last updated: 13th January 2010  

The Sol man

Campbell: A masterstoke by Wenger?

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With veteran defender Sol Campbell seemingly set to re-sign for Arsenal, skysports.com's James Dall takes a look at the pros and cons of such a deal.

For

Experience

As the majority of Arsenal fans will know, Campbell boasts a wealth of pedigree. At international level, the centre-back has earned 73 caps for England, playing at two World Cups. During his time at Tottenham, Campbell lifted the League Cup in 1999 while at Arsenal he won the Premier League twice and the FA Cup three times. Then at Portsmouth he was again an FA Cup winner in 2008. Few of Arsenal's current crop boast silverware experience, so there is an argument that Campbell's knack for being victorious could help to inspire Arsenal's youngsters while his knowledge of how to last the distance could also be invaluable. Furthermore, Campbell can help pass on his tricks of the trade to the current centre-halves at the club, with Thomas Vermaelen undoubtedly a willing learner at 23-years-old. Arsenal's weakness is defending, so perhaps Campbell can assist here, even during training sessions. Indeed, much credit was given to Martin Keown for his coaching role when Arsenal reached the 2006 Champions League final - a game that Campbell scored in.

Leadership

Campbell has captained England, Spurs and Pompey - so it is clear managers have seen he has the ability to lead a side. Cesc Fabregas, just 22 years of age, is of course the Gunners' current skipper, and, while of course the Spaniard appears to be doing a fine job, another voice in the dressing room is always welcome. Indeed, giving him the armband could even do more worse than good to Fabregas' game. Maybe one of the reasons Wenger overlooked Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira during this January transfer window was that he envisaged Campbell coming in and doing a similar role of war veteran, telling stories of days gone by, his role for the Invincibles and generally inspiring the group.

Competition for places

Vermaelen and William Gallas are of course Arsenal's current first-choice centre-back pairing, but behind that the Gunners look thin. Johan Djourou is crocked, Philippe Senderos' future appears to lie elsewhere, Mikael Silvestre increases most fans' blood pressure and, while Alex Song can play there, it would be criminal to move one of the club's top performers this season out of position. If Campbell is serious about making a "big, big contribution", then he will need to play. That will mean impressing in training and in turn exerting pressure on Wenger to pick him, which is no bad thing. It would be human nature for Vermaelen or Gallas to become complacent with no real worry of being replaced, so Campbell's mere presence on the substitutes' bench could be beneficial.

Backs against the wall

Campbell's age means no matter how hard he trains his pace is on the decline. However, physically he still looks powerful and therefore he should remain towering in the air. For those games in which Arsenal come up against long ball after long ball, Campbell could play an important role. Even when Arsenal are defending a lead - something they have been suspect at - and their defensive line drops deeper, throwing Campbell on could be an excellent option for Wenger: someone to bark orders at the backline, someone to be no-nonsense.

Cost

Campbell is a free agent and reports suggest that he will sign a deal that is performance-related and will last until the end of the season. Wenger is partial to a bargain, and this would be the first time he has re-signed a former player.

It's a World Cup year

Granted, Campbell for England at the 2010 World Cup is an outside chance, however it is fair to say that the state of Fabio Capello's centre of defence at present is iffy. We all know how players tend to up their game in a World Cup year - is it a coincidence that five of the top 10 Premier League goalscorers this term are English? - so therein lies added incentive for Campbell, who surely feels he has a point to prove.

Against

Pace

Arsenal's tactics are based on a high defensive line. Gallas is still quick across the turf while Vermaelen has proved he is speedy over long distances. If we take Senderos as an example here, often the Swiss was found out when having to push up, his turning circle let him down. Coupled with this, Campbell has not played at the highest level in quite some time. He has not kicked a competitive football since 19th September 2009, and that was in League Two with Notts County. Prior to this, he spent three years at a struggling Portsmouth side, who seemingly deemed him surplus to requirements last summer. However, and while this sentence should not really sit below the 'against' title, Wenger's training regime is notoriously scrupulous. When a player is physically on a downward spiral, the Frenchman is not afraid to move him on - see Vieira or Thierry Henry. So this leads you to believe that Wenger has been hugely impressed by the condition Campbell has maintained.

Mental state

It was ironic that Campbell made his Arsenal return against West Ham reserves, for do you recall what happened when he played the Hammers' first string for the Gunners on 1st February 2006? For those of you who need prompting, Campbell started for the North London club at Highbury and his side found themselves 2-1 down at half-time, with the stopper culpable for both goals conceded. Campbell did not return to the pitch for the second half, in fact he was seen leaving the stadium at the break. That incident of alleged abandonment during a time of need and character has not sat well with some Gunners fans to this day. Added to this is the bizarre set of events that unfolded at Meadow Lane. Eyebrows were raised when the defender put pen-to-paper on a five-year deal with the Magpies, and his stay was short-lived. After playing just one game for Notts County - a match they lost 2-1 to Morecambe - Campbell soon had his contract cancelled by mutual consent. One of course can only speculate as to the reason(s) behind his exit, but again this sequence of events leaves question marks over the psychological state of the player.

The only option?

The case for this being a bargain is valid, but can Arsenal afford to cut corners? What if the intensity of the Premier League is too much for Campbell and then either Vermaelen or Gallas sustain injuries? The gamble will have failed and in a campaign that presents a fantastic opportunity for Arsenal to win the title Wenger will once again become to regret not getting out his chequebook. Another £10million on another Vermaelen might be wiser. Then again, the market is barely moving. Such a deal is easier said than done.

What do you make of Arsenal potentially re-signing Campbell? Have your say by filling out the feedback form below and we will publish a selection of the best comments.

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Comments (31)

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Mario Christodoulou says...

HE IS TALL. A miracle for Arsenal. He has strength and is English, something that has been lacking from an Arsenal teams since the departures of Ray Parlous, Martin Keown and co. We have a team full of technically gifted player but without strength and direct football, we will get taken apart like we did against Everton on Saturday.

Posted 15:38 13th January 2010

Paul Lewis (Portsmouth fan) says...

For the record Sol was deemed too expensive as opposed to surplus to requirements at Portsmouth - Pompey offered him a deal but at around half his previous wages which were in excess of 100K pw allegedly. He will be a very good back up player for Arsenal and bolster their defensive options. Good luck to him.

Posted 15:33 13th January 2010

Dave King says...

Ok so Sol's on his way back but lets not get too excited, will he stand the pressure (hopefully but it doesn't look promising does it).Arsene's not silly though he's probably going to use him with the young guns like he did with Gilberto. What we need is a Wright or Henry... Goals!! and winning the next four crucial games if we are serious about winning the premier league. I don't believe that he is going to gamble on Bentners fitness and eagerly await the news of a decent striker signing for us....

Posted 14:58 13th January 2010

Ryan Hutchings says...

A shrewd signing. Highly experienced defender on a free transfer, and a man with a good pedigree. I loved him when he was at Portsmouth, but when we played the faster teams, he did struggle a bit. If used against the correct opponents (Stoke, Bolton, possibly Blackburn etc) then he should play well. He'd struggle against the Defoes and Drogbas of the division, but Wenger wouldn't have taken this decision if Campbell's fitness was an issue. Luckily, Sol will have another defender (Gallas or Vermaelen) to do his running for him, leaving him to anchor the defence. I wish him all the best. Play Up Pompey.

Posted 14:46 13th January 2010

Jim R says...

If Wenger has seen him train for 2 months - he hasn't signed him for old times sake, he's obviously improved since Notts County in condition both mentally and physically. He'll be close to match ready now because he's been with them for 2 months already. He's only cover and as far as cover goes, he's better than most that are potentially available. For a free - probably the best out there.

Posted 14:40 13th January 2010

Tom Wood (Arsenal fan) says...

loving it...the return of the sol man!!! Inspired choice to help drive a little bit of sturdiness in the squad. I still want to see our young team play as they have been but the knowledge and experience of a play like Sol can only be a benefit to our team especially our defence and also our captain. Cesc has been amazing this season and provided a strong individual and team performance and hopefully the influence of a player like Sol will aid his development and the progression of the team as a whole. Vermaelen will definitely benefit from this, Gallas and Sol to learn from the boy can't go wrong!!! Great to see a legend back in the team shirt....now bring on the title!!!

Posted 14:30 13th January 2010

Jiro Obibi (Arsenal fan) says...

I think Wenger once again is just being coy about spending cash. ask me, this is just another Silvestre signing. There's no reason why he shouldn't go for top drawer players. Top defender, defensive midfielder, big striker, nd were rearing to go. Personally i think Bendtner doesn't show the commitment, ambition and determination required at this level. He's just not improving, tho he has the potential to.

Posted 14:01 13th January 2010

Dane Blak (Arsenal fan) says...

I think it is a good call. There is more to football than spending big. Sol may have raised a number of questions in the past but at the same timw during his time at Pompey he did a good job despite the present state they are in. i must say it very rear Wenger gets it wrong about a player. At this timw went there is not much in the market Sol is a good shot on the FA cup and a few runs went William goes on his bike...In all honesty I would still keep Sol in my team over William.

Posted 13:46 13th January 2010

James Mann says...

Fantastic signing for Arsenal. Who'd bet against him being in the England squad. Experience and presence, apart from JT and RF we only have Upson and Lescott who are both Average at best. Entice Carragher in the squad with Campbell as well and you have a hell of a defence.

Posted 13:35 13th January 2010

Archie Jakes says...

I have no axe to grind. I do not know Campbell's present form. In a sense it is irrelevant. He will only be paid if he performs. Beat that for a deal - it doesn't stop Wenger paying for any others if he wants to buy.

Posted 13:34 13th January 2010

Brett Hewitt (Arsenal fan) says...

its ok he will be ok for 20 mins like winterburn says even though he's 35 he's still better then some players out there commanding a fee of 10 million. what i would really like to see now is arsene make a bid for Ryan Babbel of liverpool. i think its the same situation as herny at juventus? liverpool are playing him on the wing when really he should be playing upfront. we could use a big lad like him. he would suit our side perfectly.

Posted 13:10 13th January 2010

Dave Christie (Arsenal fan) says...

A leader who will provide a cool head and know how in difficult situations. I used to teach him and have followed his whole career. He will provide excellent cover

Posted 13:10 13th January 2010

Danny Hunter says...

Cant be a bad signing! He is still better than PS & MS so whats the problem - he can then whack out a bit a dough on a centre half in the summer when he can be eligible 4 the champions league the commencing season! All being well on the injury front we SHOULD win something! BUT - we are arsenal!

Posted 12:36 13th January 2010

Paul Devlin (Celtic fan) says...

I have to admit its a bullish sort of move for a usually reserved Wenger ( in terms of the transfe market anyway) However if Campbells fit enough, and he obviuosly is if Wenger signed him, then its a win win situation. Arsenal get an accomplished centre back, fit, ready to play and with excellent experience of winning cups and the premier league... after all who else in the current crop of Arsenal players has that 'winning mentality'?

Posted 12:35 13th January 2010

Bradley Anderson (Manchester United fan) says...

this is nice to hear as Sol is a fantastic player when he is on form, althou he is ageing he offers Valuable help to the younger Generation at The Emirates.. While these last few years of his career have been a little interupted,, what he offers can not be turned dawn.. just look at his Silver wear that he has won when he played for (top teams) Both highly Rated In ENGLAND & to in Europe he was a Steam Train (no stopping him). So i suppose i think it is a Good Idear, and maybe for some supporters a little Unwelcome,, Its Good for the team

Posted 12:34 13th January 2010

Simon Lait (Arsenal fan) says...

I liked the 'backs against the wall' section title...

Posted 12:34 13th January 2010

Mustafa Eroglu (Arsenal fan) says...

I think it is great news. The experience he will provide to the team is crucial and he has been trainjing with the club anyway and this shows that he is fit. We still need an out out striker if we are to go for the title.

Posted 12:27 13th January 2010

Ian Whitby (Arsenal fan) says...

I think this a massive backwards move. Campbell was a great defender but is now 35 with no pace. Pace and strength were his main assets. I can see him playing well against the long ball teams such as Bolton, Blackburn and stoke. But i feel he will be terrorised when facing players such as Drogba and Anelka! I understand that he will only be back up for the main 2 but i still think Wenger should spend on a solid centre back to play with Thoams V and have Gallas as the cover. Wenger has gone back on his own rules of players signing over the age of 30. I cant see campbell playing at all this season and feel the transfer is a waste of time for Arsenal. Once again Arsenal show a lack of ambition in the transfer market!!!!!!

Posted 12:19 13th January 2010

Brian Farquhar (Arsenal fan) says...

A brave move for Arsene, but in Arsene we trust. The aura around Sol is one that inspired the young reserves to beat West Ham. We know he is not a long term signing but if he can be the defensive cover we need for TV and WG then so be it. He has the muscle we need to give support in those games of the long ball and hey who knows maybe if he does more than a good job Fab Cap may even consider him as experienced defensive cover for Rio or JT.

Posted 12:04 13th January 2010

Gary Blake (Notts County fan) says...

i think wenger has made a big mistake. I was at the Notts county game whem he made his debut against Morcombe. He was all over the place, didnt have a clue. Hes past his best Arsenal fans give it until march, one bit of criticism and he wwill walk just lkike he did against west ham. he is a disgrace, cant be trusted.

Posted 12:01 13th January 2010
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