Carlos Vela’s journey to Hawthorns
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Mexico-c2956, has had numerous twists and turns in his career so far. The latest news out of West Bromwich is that the Gunners have agreed to loan Vela to Albion until the end of the season. This is a golden opportunity for
the striker to polish his skills and gain crucial minutes on the field.
Vela was originally recruited to Arsenal in 2005 but certain British work permit restrictions prevented him from playing and the Gunners soon loaned him out to Spanish club, Real Celta de Vigo. He returned to Emirates stadium without playing a single game.
Another loan move to Spanish club Salamanca saw Vela get playing time and a chance to improve his game. At Salamanca he made a total of 31 appearances and scored eight goals before his term ended.
After his stint at Salamanca, Vela was still not eligible to play for Arsenal. He was attracting the attention of several big name La Liga clubs and he eventually made another loan move to Osasuna. The Mexican made 32 appearances playing with Los Rojillos.
He was unable to prove his worth in any significant way and scored a mere three goals before returning to Arsenal in 2008.
This time around, Vela was able to obtain the necessary work permit and was eligible to play for the Gunners. Vela made his debut in August 2008 for Arsenal in a premier league match against Newcastle United by coming on as a substitute. Arsenal came out
on top by 3-0. Arsenal had other quality forwards in the form of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Robin-van-Persie-c31380, Eduardo da Silva and that left Vela struggled for the first couple of team matches. He mostly had to come on as a substitute.
Since making his debut for Arsenal, Vela has managed just 29 appearances in a two and a half year period. This was frustrating for the young striker who was looking for more football under his belt. In the recent January transfer window, the striker was
willing to make a loan move. His decision stemmed from the fact that Arsenal has several more experienced and more accomplished forwards. Replacing these veterans in the first team was quite an uphill battle for the youngster. Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger’s
eagerness to keep the striker in the Premier League meant that he wanted him to be loaned out to another English club. Both the manager and the player agreed a loan move to West Brom till the end of the season.
West Brom manager, Roberto Di Matteo, is of the view that Vela is a promising striker and could do wonders for the club. Di Matteo hopes that Vela will spur his team to achieve their goal of retaining their premier league spot for the next season.
Will Vela be able to make good at Hawthorns or will Di Matteo’s expectations be dashed? All will be revealed by the end of the season.
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