Solid Sol Campbell worthy of a new deal
Sol Campbell could be on the verge of signing a new deal with Arsenal that will take him into next season after both he and Arsène Wenger have said that a contract could be in place.
Campbell has been a rock since returning to Arsenal. His recent games against Wigan and Tottenham Hotspur have been the only bright spark in a somewhat disappointing end to Arsenal’s season.
Wenger wants Campbell to stay beyond this season, and Campbell wants to end his career at Arsenal. Surely that means he will be offered a new deal so both parties are happy.
When Campbell signed for League Two team Notts County last August, many eyebrows were raised. Winning two Premier Leagues, four FA Cups, and playing Champions League football have been some of the feats that Campbell has achieved, as well making 73 appearances for England.
After only one game, Campbell departed County, and decided to come back to Arsenal, but only to train and regain his full fitness, in October. However, Wenger offered him the chance to play for the club again by offering a six-month contract, and Campbell re-signed in January, becoming the first player under Wenger to leave Arsenal and then rejoin the Gunners.
Campbell’s return in an Arsenal shirt was in a reserve match against West Ham, but he made his first-team return in the FA Cup fourth-round tie against Stoke. To the surprise of many, at the age of 35, Campbell had a solid game, and showed no signs of being rusty playing at the top level. It looked like he’d never been away.
A first-half injury sustained by Thomas Vermaelen in the 0-0 draw against Aston Villa allowed the chance for Campbell to make his return to the Premier League. Since his return to Arsenal, he has made 11 appearances, and has looked more solid than ever. He still has the will to win, and retains the qualities that a defender needs. His sterling display in the north-London derby at White Hart Lane prompted Wenger to say: “He was ready to die for the club.”
Campbell’s level of commitment, his mental strength and his leadership qualities have made him Arsenal’s best player in the latter part of the campaign. He is showing no signs of his age, and has been the only positive for Arsenal fans to take out of another disappointing end to the season. His experience in the absence of William Gallas has been under-rated. In the absence of Cesc Fàbregas, on the field Campbell has been the leader.
Campbell’s performances could yet even see him get a shock call-up from Fabio Capello to play at the World Cup. That would cap off a fine return for Campbell, something that he would never have envisaged.
Tags: