Arsenal: Serge Gnabry Must Avoid Path Most Trodden

Arsenal’s Serge Gnabry has been proving his talent in this summer’s Rio Olympics. He must now avoid the career trajectories of so many youngsters before him.

The common storyline of Arsenal players goes something like this: Talented and lauded as a youngster, he has a breakthrough in which he looks like a potential world beater. The next season, injury crisis. He misses the whole year, struggling with lingering fitness issues, never able to enjoy a consistent run of games.

Related Story: 5 Linked Players Who Won't Sign

Now another year older, returning from an encouraging preseason, he starts off the year in excellent form. Then, international break. The brakes slam on. Injured again. This time, though, they return to the fray late in the season. Last game of the year. Strong, crunching tackle. Leg break. A whole year on the sidelines.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 observations from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park

Now 24, their career at a crossroads. Decisions must be made. Can they be trusted to complete a whole season without injury? Are they the same player they once flashed? Can they recover from yet another major injury?

It is such a common theme running through the Arsenal squad. There are a multitude of players whose careers have all followed that same trajectory. Now, Arsene Wenger has another extremely talented player on his hands, but this time, he must handle him with far more care and attention for his career to blossom.

Speaking about Serge Gnabry, Wenger had this to say:

"“I want to keep Serge Gnabry and extend his contract. I think we stood by him. He went to West Brom, didn’t play, we had to rebuild his confidence. I allowed him to go to the Olympics to help Germany. I think he’s here now for a long time.”"

Gnabry is certainly displaying his talent at the Olympics. He has been the player of the tournament, scoring six goals in five games, helping Germany to the final where they will face hosts and favourites Brazil. After the competition, Gnabry will return to the Emirates in high spirits and good form. It is vital that Wenger manages his development with thoughtfulness and consideration.

Next: 3 Fantasy Football Transfers To Target

The German winger has long been a touted star of the future. Now, it looks as though his time has come. It is imperative, therefore, that he is not over-worked, pushed to breaking point early in his career, otherwise he could well be following the hordes of talented and yet underperforming Arsenal stars before him.