Tomas Rosicky is finally returning to his best form, following two relatively average seasons after his hamstring tendon injury sustained in early 2008.
He took time to return to the form that saw him form a formidable midfield alongside Hleb, Fabregas and Flamini in 2007-08 when he netted 7 goals. At the end of last campaign, there were calls for Wenger to get rid of the Czech captain. However, he has been putting in spirited performances since the beginning of this season, culminating in great performances against Spurs and AC Milan in recent weeks.
It isn’t just the fact that he has managed to get himself on the scoresheet in both those matches, but he has shown a fantastic ability to drive the team forward, keep the ball and create space. Our ‘Little Mozart’ is 31 but is playing with the same enthusiasm as our young talent Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Rosicky signed a new two and a half year deal in January 2010, and Wenger said the following at that time:
“I have spoken many times of Tomas’ class and contribution, not only on the pitch but off it as well, and I very much feel that this new contract reflects that.”
That contract extension was a surprise, given that Rosicky hadn’t been particularly impressive for some time, mainly due to his extended lay-off with injury. But now the fans are supporting rumoured plans to give him a new contract, and I can’t see why not. Football is a squad game and Rosicky is a great squad player. He doesn’t seem to complain despite the fact that he doesn’t always start. He knows the club well and always tries his best on the pitch. And recent games have shown that he still has the quality to be a creative hub in midfield. Given the loss of Cesc and Nasri, Wilshere’s injury problems, and Ramsey being unable to take on all the creative responsibility, Rosicky’s talents have come to the fore.
The rumours of a new contract imply that talks are ongoing, but it is yet to be finalised. Czech website aktualne.cz has a quote from one of Rosicky’s representatives (it has been translated into English on Google translate, so it won’t be perfect!):
“We met with Arsène Wenger, the new contract terms are negotiated Tomas Rosicky, but it still will not give away.”
The final part of the quote is the interesting bit, partially because it hasn’t been translated perfectly but also because it tells us the state of the negotiations. It seems that either the contract is yet to be completed or that certain problems are stalling the discussions. Perhaps Wenger is refusing to give Rosicky a long-term deal given the Czech’s age. Wenger has had issues about giving long contracts to players over 30 – think about the previous player to wear the Arsenal no.7 shirt, Robert Pires, who wasn’t given the terms that he wanted.
Then again, Wenger signed a 29 year old Mikel Arteta on a four year deal, so maybe he is becoming less stubborn on that front.
Hopefully Rosicky will keep up his good form, and I will be very pleased if he signs a new deal.
Rosicky never lost his form. Ow do we know what he Ȋ̝̊̅§ made of when he sits on d bench for a certain apprentice called Aaron Ramsey? I kept telling any1 that cared †☺ listen that rosicky Ȋ̝̊̅§ our natural replacemnt †☺ jack or cesc thankGod he Ȋ̝̊̅§ proving M̶̲̅ε̲ right. Do sign that deal little mozart we need ў☺ΰ.
Rosicky’s rejuvenation also coincides with him playing his natural CAM position. Obviously we had Cesc in the middle of the pitch in years past so it was difficult for Tomas to get time in the middle of the park. You can see how he is less influential playing on the wings (i.e. first leg against Milan). But you can also see how deserves to be ahead of Ramsey as first choice CAM (i.e. second leg Milan, Tottenham, … the whole season). I think he deserves a new deal. He has been fantastic this campaign. Just play him in his proper position where he excels.
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