The Frenchman, who swapped Old Trafford for the Emirates over
the summer, has seen at first hand the likes of Jack Wilshere,
Carlos Vela, Aaron Ramsey Henri Lansbury and Theo Walcott and has
admitted they have the potential to eclipse that famous United
team.
According to the News of the World, Silvestre said:
“Arsenal’s kids can be better than that group at United – but there
is a long road ahead for them.”
Silvestre played alongside the likes of David Beckham, the
Neville Brothers, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes at Old Trafford
winning five league titles with the club and admits the youngsters
need to keep their concentration and consistency if they are to
claim silverware this season.
“I just hope they are 100 per cent committed for the whole
season. It is difficult when they are young to stay focused for
such a long period,” admitted the defender, “Often in the Premier
League you have to go down to the last three games to win it. We
can’t have any gaps in form and consistency is the key.”
Arsenal’s young guns have already impressed several times this
season, most notably in the Carling Cup where they thrashed
Sheffield United 6-0, and Silvestre admitted it was his job to help
the players mature.
“There is great potential in the young players at Arsenal,” he
confessed before continuing, “As an experienced player I need to
keep everyone on their toes and help them mature. I just hope I am
here long enough to see titles coming to Arsenal.”
Ironically it is at the back where Arsenal have suffered in
recent games, leaking goals from set pieces and their new recruit
confessed it would take time to put things right.
“I have played to two games and it’s difficult to get
consistency. Everyone expects me to guide everyone at the back but
I expect my team mates to do the same,” admitted the former Red
Devil, “At United I played a different way with Ferdinand, Vidic,
Evra and Gary Neville. We played together for a long time and now
this is a new beginning.”
However, despite the occasional problems Silvestre admitted he
will use his experience to try and help the team. He concluded:
“It’s a learning curve and I have to push myself because I am not a
real leader. But at this age, if I don’t try to lead the team it
will be a waste.”