t's quite conceivable that Mathieu Flamini could have lined up
against Arsenal this season.
The French midfielder was close to a move away from Emirates
Stadium in the summer but, after a heart-to-heart with Arsène
Wenger, decided to stay and fight for his first-team place.
Flamini has risen to the challenge. Handed a starting berth while
Gilberto recuperated after the Copa America, the 22-year-old has
been an unsung hero in Arsenal's flying start to the season. Far
from lingering on the fringes, Flamini is now a central part of
Wenger's plans.
After another high-octane performance against Sevilla on Wednesday
night, Flamini spoke with the air of a man who knows he made the
right choice when he mulled over whether to stay or go.
"It's true I was close to leaving because I didnt play enough so I
spoke to the coach and we had a good discussion," he said.
"Now Im here, Im very happy to be here and were playing great
football. The boss told me he had confidence in me and I said,
Alright, I am going to stay and Ill prove that I can play'.
"I think I am doing an important job because I have to win the ball
and stay in front of the defence. I am trying to do the maximum for
players like Cesc [Fabregas] and Alex Hleb and Tomas Rosicky.
"This season Cesc is a bit more free, playing a little bit higher
than me and so he has more chances to score and more chances to
give some passes and I think that is important. The more I play the
more it gives me confidence."
It's easy to understand why Flamini suspected his future lay away
from Emirates Stadium. Wenger has an embarrassment of riches in
central midfield with Fabregas, Gilberto, Denilson, Abou Diaby and
Alex Song all vying for a first-team spot when the season kicked
off.
Lassana Diarra's arrival on transfer deadline day has further
intensified the competition for places. Nonetheless, Flamini's
versatility - he is well equipped to cover in either full-back
position - gives him an important edge. He certainly relishes the
challenge.
"Arsenal is a big club with high ambitions so the competition is
here but it will make you better," said Flamini.
"Sometimes I have to move, like last time when I played right back.
It is important to teach players to play everywhere. For example,
Michael Essien at Chelsea is asked to play right back and he plays
there.
"I like to play in midfield because its my natural position and I
always enjoy to play there. But when I have to play for the team at
right back I am trying to do my best.
"At the moment I am playing every game so I will go one game by one
game and see what happens. If I am picked to play I play, if not
its not a problem. The boss makes the decision and I respect his
decision."
On current form, it will be hard for Wenger to leave Flamini
out.
