The Next Tony Adams Or Just Another Pascal Cygan

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for SoccerMyLife.com

Published: February 5, 2012

Philippe Senderos? This name was lost on many Arsenal fans when he first signed for us in 2003. Many thought that Cygan was playing. After the game against Blackburn on the 11th of Feb 2008, my guess is many fans are now able to pronounce his name properly.

Senderos was bought by Arsenal as an upcoming defender from Servette in 2003 for an undisclosed fee. Many Premiership clubs were chasing him with Man U inviting him to Old Trafford to watch a game and Liverpool inviting him to train with them.

Philippe was born in Geneva with his Serbia and Montenegro mother and Spanish father. He chose to play for Switzerland and was captain during Switzerland victorious Euro Under-17 Championship run in 2002. He has since graduated to the international team and recently captained it in the World Cup 2010 qualifying rounds.

Although he signed in 2003, he did not make his appearance for Arsenal until October 2004 due to a series of injuries. His start in a Gunner’s shirt was not smooth and he was often compared to Pascal Cygan by fans around the world. It did not help that he was also bald, white and slow in turning. Although strong in tackling and heading, his lack of pace has often been exposed in the speedy world of the premier league.

The critics went on and on about this 21 year old in 2005/6 season as injuries to Sol Campbell and a lack of another cover forced Wenger to play Philippe more. Too often, some say, as the inexperienced told and Philippe made many telling mistakes and these subsequently affected his self confidence and his play in general. However, as Le Boss so often does, Wenger stood behind his man and declared him an immense talent for the years to come. Philippe responded with some hardworking display but the progress was slow.

With Gallas coming in this season (07/08), many felt that Senderos time is still far away or may never come. However, Wenger sent Djourou away on loan (and returned injured) and then Toure was called away for the African Cup, Senderos seized whatever chances that came his way. He has also cemented a regular place in the Swiss international team and has scored some impressive goals in set pieces for club and country.

His headed goal yesterday reminded us of old Tony Adams while his hard tackling and long clearances added to the resemblance of the famed Arsenal back four. However, his slow turning and clumsy tackling at times showed many shades of Pascal Cygan. I remain skeptical of his talent and how far he can go. I only hoped that Le Boss will once again prove me wrong.

Rick Chong is a professional sports writer who specialises in the English Premier League. He also manages an Arsenal Forum for Arsenal fans.

Author: Rick Chong
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

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