Pain in the Arsenal
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Carl Jenkinson Should Stay at Arsenal

By Andrew Dowdeswell

Jul 26, 2014; Harrison, NJ, USA; New York Red Bulls midfielder Tim Cahill (17) controls the ball between Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson (25) and Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta (8) during the first half of a game at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 26, 2014; Harrison, NJ, USA; New York Red Bulls midfielder Tim Cahill (17) controls the ball between Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson (25) and Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta (8) during the first half of a game at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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After last summer’s transfer window, Arsenal had 7 defenders in their squad. Of these defenders, all were injured or suspended at some time (with Debuchy missing large chunks of the season with a dislocated shoulder and ankle problems), some suffered from inconsistent form, and others included Hector Bellerin and new signing Callum Chambers who were young and unproven at best heading into 2014.

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Bellerin and Chambers did prove to be solid squad players, with Bellerin impressing as the first choice right back later in the year. Wenger also proceeded to sign Gabriel Paulista to provide competition at centre half.  However, one player was missing. That player is Carl Jenkinson.

Carl Jenkinson played on loan in 2014 at Upton Park, the home of  an impressive West Ham team under Sam Allardyce. West Ham, especially in the first half of the season, played some excellent football, with one memorable victory against Liverpool at home. Jenkinson was a key part of this team, getting forward well from full back as well as providing defensive solidarity.

One issue with Jenkinson at Arsenal was his end product. His athletic style of play allowed him to create opportunities on the right flank, but his delivery was inconsistent at best and most of the time poor. At West Ham, Jenkinson has visibly improved in this area.

“With Jenkinson’s greater potential and versatility, it should be him who stays at the Emirates and Debuchy who is let go.”

Big Sam has often encouraged his players to spread the ball wide and play with a high volume of crosses, especially from his full backs. Carl Jenkinson has excelled in this area recorded two assists per WhoScored.com, including one beautiful cross for Andy Carroll against Swansea earlier in the year.

Carl Jenkinson has vastly improved, especially offensively, and is now better than Debuchy, who struggled last year. At right back Wenger has Debuchy, Bellerin and now Jenkinson at his disposal, and not all three are needed. Debuchy will be the wrong side of 30 next season, and quite frankly, has not played well enough to justify starting ahead of the younger full backs.

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Furthermore, Carl Jenkinson offers height, a quality that is very much needed in this Arsenal squad. He has some experience at playing centre back as well, and this option allows Wenger to have strong squad depth among the defensive ranks. The greatest advantage Jenkinson offers to Arsenal is his age. Carl Jenkinson is still only 23 and yet to reach his peak. In Jenkinson and Bellerin, Arsenal have two long term right backs who can play at a high level immediately.

There have recently been rather substantial rumours that Wenger is looking to loan out Jenkinson again so that he can continue his development playing regular first team football. However, Jenkinson has a lot to offer Arsenal in the short term, not just the long term. Debuchy does not provide long term stability at right back and is currently behind Bellerin. Therefore, it is a competition between Jenkinson and Debuchy to provide depth at the position.

With Jenkinson’s greater potential and versatility, it should be him who stays at the Emirates and Debuchy who is let go.

Next: Is Bellerin the next big thing?

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