2 players for the price of one
This week the world of rumours is abuzz with the news that Nicklas Bendtner is on the verge of signing for Sporting Lisbon for £9 million. (Seriously, people can’t stop talking about it). But does that represent value for money?
For £9 million Sporting are getting two players. The Nicklas Bendtner who failed to break into Arsenal’s first team and has gradually slipped further and further down the pecking order and the Nicklas Bendtner future self who apparently will become one of the greatest strikers in the world within the next 5 years.
If the first Bendtner turns up which is more than likely as the second is yet to be seen, then £9 million is a high fee for a relatively unproven goalscorer. Bendtner has always talked a good game but seldom plays one. True, he has played nearly 100 Premiership matches and is experienced for a 23 year old, but his goal return has been underwhelming especially considering he has been playing in an Arsenal side that creates so many chances. He will not be presented with such clear and regular opportunities at Sporting and must improve his goal ratio dramatically if he is to succeed.
They are however buying an incredibly hungry player. Perhaps the most impressive thing that Bendtner has achieved at Arsenal is scoring 10 out of 9 in a ‘self perceived competence’ test. He is firmly convinced that he will become one of the greatest strikers in the world in the next 5 years. Whether he envisaged a move to Sporting Lisbon from Arsenal as a crucial stepping-stone in his five-year plan is not known. The Arsenal psychologist Jacques Crevoisier said “when Bendtner misses a chance, he is always genuinely convinced it wasn’t his fault.’ If Bendtner was correct in this belief he is the unluckiest footballer ever.
If this moves successfully kick-starts Bendtner’s career then he could prove a very good signing for £9 million, however, he has had 4 years to make an impression at Arsenal and has failed to do so. Since he spurned the advances of Lyon and A.C. Milan in 2007 to concentrate on breaking into Arsenal’s starting eleven, his talent has stagnated, to the point where he started just 3 premier league games for the Gunners last season and demanded a transfer. Unfortunately the calibre of his suitors has declined along with his potential. Whilst this may not be a problem for most players looking to get a fresh start, Nicklas Bendtner is not most players, he is exceptional.
It may be a tough blow to accept that he needs to step down, but if there’s one ego that can bounce back, it’s his.
Does Nicklas Bendtner have the ability to reach the top? Or is he destined to disappoint himself?
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