Loan Review:Ryo Miyaichi Feyenoord

Every season a number of Arsenal players go out on loan to gain valuable first-team experience and the 2010/11 campaign was no different.

Arsenal.com have tracked the progress of the loanees throughout the season and our ‘Loan Review’ series will examine each player in turn. Today we focus on Ryo Miyaichi.

Ryo Miyaichi
Ryo joined Arsenal in January and was instantly loaned to Dutch Eredivise giants Feyenoord until the end of the season.

It wasn’t long before the highly-rated Japanese forward made his mark in Holland, scoring in his first game at De Kuip, Feyenoord’s home ground, in a 2-1 win over Heracles at the start of February.

He became a regular in Mario Been’s side, making 12 starts and scoring three times as Feyenoord finished the season in tenth position.

Jaap De Groot of De Telegraaf

“He has got everything; he has got speed, he is very direct, he has skill, he can take people on, he scores goals and he has good technique. He loves the game as well. When you look at him you see someone who is enjoying playing football. He is young and needs to mature but he is a very interesting player and could definitely be a star in the future.

“He is a great talent and a pure football player. He is an uncomplicated player who just wants to play his game. I think it is very important that he plays at a club that fits his qualities and Feyenoord is a team that plays the authentic Dutch way with two wingers and one centre forward. He played from the left side and that meant he was not forced to defend a lot and he could play his game. Arsenal’s decision to send him to a Dutch club has been a very good choice.

“From the first home game in Rotterdam the fans embraced him. They loved his fresh attitude, his pure attitude. He comes on the pitch and goes his own way. He has good technique and only wants to do one thing, go as fast as possible to the goal. He does that in a fresh, free-spirited way.

“He was lucky that he scored in his first game and he got an incredible homage. It was wonderful to see that an old Japanese tradition showed up and, in front of 48,000 people, he bowed four ways to the crowd which was a very special moment.”

The Preview....

“I feel there is something to play for because Man City still have a difficult game at Bolton,” said Arsène Wenger ahead of the trip to Fulham on Sunday. “We know that through our own experience up there.

“So that means it is down to us to just try and win our game. If they win, they win. The most important thing is that we are responsible and fight for our future.”

In truth that battle will be waged all summer.

Three months ago, the Arsenal fans were hopeful that the game at Craven Cottage would not be the last first-team appearance this season. There was the possibility of a Champions League Final at Wembley next weekend or perhaps a tour around Islington in an open-topped bus clutching something silver.

However, as it stands, Wenger’s side are not even in the bronze medal position in the Premier League. Manchester City pushed them down into fourth by beating Stoke on Tuesday.

It leaves Arsenal needing to better the result of Roberto Mancini’s men this weekend to take third and go directly into the Champions League group stage.

Finishing fourth will leave them contemplating not only another hurdle but a summer filled with what-might-have-beens.

“For me there is a massive difference,” said Wenger. “Fourth is playing a qualifier for the Champions League. That is not Champions League. Third is guaranteeing to be in the Champions League.

“But if fourth is a reality, we will have to face that. I believe in the last three months we had a mixture of disappointments and bad luck.

“We can only act on what we have an influence – and that means improving our quality. But when you see again the game we played against Aston Villa, it is unbelievable – some decisions are unexplainable to me in that game. For me, we won, 100 per cent. But we have to accept it, deal with it and come back even stronger.

“’[Failure] is a big name,” the Frenchman went on. “Overall I think we have been consistent. So it is more what I would call a big frustration because we were very close in all the competitions and we missed out on very little.

“We cannot say we are happy but as well we cannot say that it is a disaster. Overall I think that's the closest we have been to winning the title in recent years.

“That's why it's even more frustrating because if you look at the way we lost the games in the decisive moments it's clear that we need to add some maturity to our team. For example the way we lost in the Carling Cup Final, against Liverpool and the way we dropped points against Bolton in the last minute.

“So of course I feel the nerves played a part more than the talent in the fact we did not win the title.”

Samir Nasri (hamstring), Gael Clichy (hamstring) and Abou Diaby (calf) all face late tests ahead of the trip across the capital. Cesc Fabregas (thigh) certainly misses out while Johan Djourou (ankle) is hoping to be back.

If Fulham pip Arsenal and Chelsea beat Everton, then Mark Hughes’ side will finish seventh – equalling their highest ever placing in the top-flight. There is also the possibility of a Europa League place via the Fair Play League.

Fulham’s strength remains their defence – it is the best outside the top four. Meanwhile it is pertinent for Arsenal that 30 per cent of their goals have come from headers – the highest proportion in the top flight.

“They are a good side,” said Wenger. “They have a good technical level and they have a big squad. They lost at home to Liverpool and after that they won at Birmingham having changed players in the squad.

 “We will try to win the game, it’s as simple as that. A draw could be good enough if Man City lose at Bolton. I do not want to have any regrets now and so I just want to win the game.”

During his media work, Wenger was asked if he could ‘guarantee’ a trophy next season. It was a strange suggestion given that the experience of the last few months had demonstrated why that word is simply not present in footballing lexicon.

“I promise Arsenal fans that we will give our best to win trophies,” Wenger replied. “Who can guarantee that they will deliver trophies? We will give our best to do it and that is our main target.

“And what is a trophy? Is to finish tenth and win the Carling Cup a trophy? No.

“What I want to achieve is to keep the consistency in our quality, in our table position and deliver what I call trophies - the Premier League and the Champions League. You can say you will give the maximum to do it but you cannot guarantee that. You can only do that if you are crazy.”

Arsenal’s late demise has driven everyone a little mad to be honest. It has been fist-gnawing fare that only a masochist could enjoy.

However Sunday still has a huge significance. Mistakes and misfortune have been costly this term but finishing fourth impacts on the next campaign aswell.

Arsenal have unraveled and the prevailing mood is thunderous. But, whisper it quietly, they just might have been overpunished for their slips. Some final-day fortune may redress the balance somewhat.

Let's be clear, third place is not a trophy. Third place is not what anyone wanted.

But if Arsenal could just squeeze above Manchester City then they might be able to feel a little better about the concluding campaign.

And, of course, next term would be a little easier too.

Nasri,Diaby,Clinchy to face fittness tests!!

Arsène Wenger will wait for news of three fitness tests before he finalises his squad for Sunday's trip to Fulham.

Gael Clichy, Samir Nasri and Abou Diaby are the trio hoping to recover in time for the final game of the Premier League season but their manager is being realistic about their chances.

"We have still Fabregas out as I told you last week and Clichy, Nasri and Diaby will have tests,” said Wenger at his pre-match press conference.

“If we get one or two to be available we are lucky.”

'Our style will attract new players"-Mr.Wenger

Arsène Wenger believes the style of football his side play means joining Arsenal is still an attractive proposition for top-end players.

The manager has already spoken of his desire to make additions and strengthen his squad in the summer with plenty of potential targets already suggested by the media.

While Wenger admits Arsenal will struggle to compete financially with some of the Premier League’s big spenders, he is confident the Club’s brand of football will appeal to the best players in the world.

“If you speak about the quality of the Club and the style of football we play we have many offers on the table for players who are desperate to join us,” he said.
 

Win a brand new Arsenal Home shirt!!

Wanna  enjoy the 'prestige'

Every month we give away a replica shirt on our MatchDay Show but this prize is a bit special because you'll be one of the first to get their hands on the 125th anniversary shirt.

You only need three things to win: an Arsenal TV Online subscription, some Arsenal knowledge and a bit of luck.

Our presenter Dan Roebuck will reveal the competition question during our coverage of the Fulham game on Sunday. The first correct answer he receives will win the shirt.

This competition is open to all Arsenal TV Online subscribers - so if you haven't already signed up, click on the button below and get involved on Sunday.

ATVO is the only place to enjoy live commentary of every game, highlights and full match replays 'on demand', exclusive interviews and much more. A subscription costs   £95 for a year.

Miyaichi to joinArsenal for pre -season

Arsène Wenger has revealed that Ryo Miyaichiwill link up with Arsenal in pre-season so the manager can assess whether he is ready for the first team.

The Japanese forward signed a long-term contract with the Club in January and immediately joined Dutch giants Feyenoord on loan in order to help his adjustment to European football while awaiting the work permit he requires to play in England.

Miyaichi was an instant hit in the Eredivisie, going straight into Mario Beem’s side and impressing during his five-month stay, prompting Wenger to take a closer look at the 18-year-old’s progress.

“I have only [heard] positive reports about him,” said Wenger. “He will be with us in pre-season.

“I think he is good enough but if he is ready enough to have a place in our team, we will ask for a work permit and try to get him in.

“What I like about Ryo is that he has good timing with his runs and understands when to go and where to go. That is something very important. He knows how to use his pace and he is an intelligent player. 

“He is a boy who went straight from school football to professional football and straight away was the best player in Feyenoord.”

Miyaichi’s application for a work permit could be aided by a call-up to the Japanese Under-23 squad aiming to qualify for the 2012 Olympics.

“That is a good help,” said Wenger. “An even better help is putting him straight in the [Japanese] first team, then we do not need a work permit any more.

“He looks a very promising boy and everybody who went to watch him has been hugely impressed by him. He is a character and a great football player.”

Vermaelen"New players have Impressed me'

A number of players have broken into the Arsenal team since Thomas Vermaelen was last a regular - and the Belgian centre back has been impressed by them all.

Vermaelen made his long-awaited comeback on Sunday in the 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa, nearly nine months after his last appearance for Arsène Wenger's side.

In the intervening period two youngsters, Jack Wilshere and Wojciech Szczesny, have cemented their spots in the first team while centre back Laurent Koscielny has made 43 starts in his debut season.

"Laurent has done really well in his first Premier League season," Vermaelen told the Official Matchday Programme.

"The French league is a good one, and he knew how to face strong teams like Lyon, Marseille and Bordeaux, but it’s a step up to come to the Premier League and he’s handled it well.

"There is always talk about Arsenal’s back four, but defending is about teamwork as well as individuals and goals are often down to a number of things rather than defenders' mistakes.

"Jack has done really well too – he has a great future in front of him, as does Wojciech. Both of them have a really good mentality and don’t feel pressure.

"You can see that on the pitch – they play like they might do in the garden and that’s a great quality for a footballer, not to have stress when playing.

"I saw at first hand when I played for the reserves that we have a lot of great young talents here, and it’s brilliant that these two guys have pushed on so well."

Wilshire" Iam still getting used to fame"

"Iam still gettin used to fame"

Jack Wilshere admits he is still coming to terms with the fame his footballing ability has brought him.

The 19-year-old is coming towards the end of his breakthrough season for club and country, a campaign that has transformed him from a promising youngster into a mainstay of the Arsenal and England teams.

Wilshere has shouldered an increased load on the pitch but with that comes a more prominent profile off the pitch. The teenager reflected on how his life has changed in an interview with the Official Matchday Programme.

“It’s weird, definitely, and you have to be really careful," he said. "Obviously I made mistakes when I was young, like most people, but I’ve had to grow up quickly.

"People are always watching and sometimes it makes me laugh. It’s a story in the papers if I get a tattoo or move house – I do find that really strange. It’s part and parcel of football now, you have to deal with it and be professional.

"If I could give any advice to young players now it would be to listen to what people tell you, and live your life off the pitch how you do on it – always be professional and live your life as a footballer.”

In a team as young as Arsenal, Wilshere has benefited from the advice of those who have trodden a similar path - especially Theo Walcott.

“Yes, I’m always chatting with Theo," he said. "He has been through it all – being in the World Cup squad, then left out – and he’s never put a foot wrong off the pitch, so he’s a great example.

"I can learn from him and he’s a good friend of mine now. We’ve got to know each other well over the last couple of years.

“Before people would tell you that you have to do this and that when you are a pro,” he continued, “but until you are actually there, experiencing it, you don’t realise what it means.

"You have to eat well, prepare well, rest well – it’s a 24/7 job – it’s not just about training and playing the games. Everything away from that is so important too. If you are not ready for every game then a top class player will take advantage of it.”