Arsenal: Joel Campbell is Victor Moses in every sense

Joel Campbell and Victor Moses are highly comparable, but it is possible that one more comparison could be made if the Arsenal man is given another chance.

The comparisons between Arsenal’s Joel Campbell and Chelsea’s Victor Moses should not end with the fact that both men have had numerous loan spells, are lighting quick and are excellent with the ball at their feet.

Joel Campbell needs an opportunity to prove that Arsene Wenger were right to buy him all those years ago. Victor Moses was given that opportunity this season and grabbed it with both hands.

With all that said, I know it is incredibly likely that Campbell is lining up for someone else next season. His contract is winding down, and he seems to be pretty low down in Arsene Wenger’s pecking order.

I was a big fan of Joel Campbell last season. His goal contributions were lacking and he was inconsistent, but I thought he was incredibly dynamic and honest. I thought he brought more to games than Theo Walcott.

That is why I would simply suggest experimenting with Campbell at wing-back this pre-season. He may not become a starter, but he could become a viable alternative for an incredibly zestful and taxing position.

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Looking ahead to next season, there will be plenty of competition for places at the wing-back position. There are still a lot of moving parts to determine, but as of now, Sead Kolasinac should take over the left wing-back role upon his arrival, with either Nacho Monreal or Kieran Gibbs playing second fiddle to him. On the other side, Hector Bellerin and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain would seemingly be fighting to start.

Victor Moses, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Hector Bellerin were all beneficiaries of three-back formations as it gave them attacking freedom. They’re able to run with the ball at pace rather than receiving the ball while stationary. I imagine Campbell would also benefit from this.

It is important to note that Arsenal’s future tactics are dependent on the futures of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, however, considering Campbell’s ability and the injury history of current Arsenal players, I think keeping him would be a wise decision.

There would undoubtedly be questions regarding Campbell’s defensive capabilities, but Moses and Chamberlain faced the same questions. Wing-backs don’t have to be the best defenders, they have plenty of cover around them. I would argue all that they really required is a basic willingness to run.

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Campbell is coming into the prime of his career, he’ll turn 25 later this month and there is no denying his talent. That is why I would love to see him given another chance, whether he gets one is a different story.

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