5 Reasons Why Joel Cambell Should Be Arsenal’s First Choice

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5. He Is In Control

I cannot say it enough. Joel Campbell, when he has the ball, looks so incredibly composed. He looks like a seasoned veteran out there. There is no driving head first into a wall of defenders or firing shots from 40 yards out. There is only collected composure.

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The first example of this control was seen in his first start against Swansea. With Arsenal already up 2-0, Campbell found the ball at his feet. Instead of snatching at it and potentially squibbing it or skying it, he gathered himself, took his time, and put it in the net. Like he had been doing this for ages.

The second example came for Arsenal against Olympiakos, the clinching match. With another goal needed to procure Arsenal’s qualification, Campbell tactfully fielded a high pass from Mesut Ozil and turned to face the action. Sitting just outside of the box, he did not fire on goal trying to be a hero. He did not drive into the defense. He simply waited on the ball for an on-rushing Giroud. Goal for Arsenal.

This control is something we have yet to see out of the Ox. While prolific at times and arguably one of the best raw talents to emerge in quite some time, the Ox can deploy an overly heavy touch and when in a goal scoring position, he is erratic. You can attribute that to young age, lack of matches, being dropped, or whatever you want. What matters is that Campbell does not do it.

On to the second reason.

Next: 2. Goals