Following the signing of Cohen Bramall, Arsene Wenger says it’s important for Arsenal to keep an eye on what’s happening at lower levels as clubs become increasingly competitive in the transfer market.
The 20 year old’s arrival at Arsenal – albeit is a ‘young professional’ – has come via an unconventional route.
Having been spotted by former Gunner Brian McDermott playing for Hednesford Town in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League, his career has taken a huge leap – and although he’s going to feature at youth level, he has a chance that few players get.
Speaking to the official site, it was put to the manager that it’s possible to find players at clubs who traditionally would have few dealings with those at the top of the Premier League.
“More and more,” he said. “You need to scout in the lower divisions because many of them [players] have to go down before they go up.
“And he’s one of them.”
Drawing parallels with Laurent Koscielny and Olivier Giroud who made their top flight breakthroughs in France at a relatively advanced age, he touched on the qualities that saw him take a chance on Bramall.
“Are you ready enough to fight that you are above this level and that you absolutely want to come back?,” he said.
“Players like Giroud and Koscielny have had that test. They are similar to that. Once they get up, they really mean it.
“He is a young, promising left back who has a lack of experience at the top level but who has fantastic ingredients,” he continued.
“He has tremendous pace, a good left foot, a great desire to do well. Overall, he’s a very exciting prospect.”
More tremendous pace in our defence. We like that.
Imagine Bellerin on the right and Bramall in the right! The overlaps would be amazing
Plus he can really dribble around a traffic Cohen.
Miyachi is beside himself with excitement that we’ve signed this lad.
Welcome Cohen Bramall, living my dream…. I am 38 and still pray the phone call comes from Arsenal…
Never lose hope. You never know, one day soon you might get a:
“Hi, this is Sam from arsenal direct, unfortunately we are all sold out of extra large alexis away kits at the moment”
And your dreams will come true.
I like your assertion that 38 = chubby. The world is not populated solely of Blogs and his ilk you know? Ooh get me.
Regards,
41 and thin as a whippet (but less so around the guts of late)
“Hello, I am calling you regarding your recent 3am break in into stadium property. We have you on camera. Our lawyers will be in touch with you shortly.”
“Arsene, I am 64, do you think I still have a chance…”
….Maybe in the senior(s) team! 😉
Welcome to the Arsenal! Ian Wright wrote in his autobiography that non-league football is full of brilliant talent that could make in the PL. I hope this signing is proof of that.
Oh man I really hoped we were to sign Ricardo Pereira as fullbacks cover. And eventualy Monreal successor
I sensed and understood the sarcasm. That’s why I upvoted…
You just have to scout the lower of the lowest leagues dont you Arsene because thats where the bargain basement buys are and we are so skint/tight! Good luck to the lad at least from down the leagues the players have some hunger, desire and commitment untill they get the £££££
WTF is wrong with that moderators??
It’s the fact of life that sometimes people forget when they say “oh if they were any good players, why aren’t they making it?”
Sometimes, even though it’s unfashionable to say it these days, what with all the social media quotes and stuff, good old fashion luck is required.
Bramall was fortunate that a big club decided to give him a chance. For every Bramall, Vardy and Smalling, there are plenty that never make the grade; not because they didn’t have the talent or work ethic, but they simply weren’t given the opportunity, or bad luck (injuries the main one).
Wenger is normally ahead of the game in the market. With the number of clubs through the entire rank of PL now able to afford higher price players, there is a double squeeze in the market on the continent. I mentioned over several transfer windows now that Arsenal faces a double crunch with new oil rich clubs (AND China) squeezing the top end and the better distribution of TV money with PL clubs pushing the bottom end. The supply is therefore tight. Wenger is now moving toward the end of the market neglected by these clubs. He has always been… Read more »
In Arsene we trust.
Oh really?? Thanks for that!
Watch out Nacho, your successors arrived, but he is much much faster. Hector and Cohen would be the fastest left and right backs in the Premier League and thats an exciting prospect. I expect to see him debut in the first team next season, what a bargain for such a talented 20 year old. Well spotted Brian McDermott.
Sure, you have to scout the lower divisions. Where else are you going to find great Arsenal legends like Eboue, Jenkinson, and Sanogo??? They’re top top quality!!
Arsene Wenger has given so many lower league players a chance and they have gone on to become great players. It’s good to see at least one of them paid him back by staying. Massive respect to Laurent Koscielny.
Hope Bramall can do the same. Best of luck, kid.
Other than Bossielny and maybe Oxlade. No one else really made it to a great player.