With 21 minutes to go in last nights match against Genclerbirligi,
the diminutive figure of Eduardo jogged on to the pitch at the tiny
Bad Waltersdorf Stadion.
It was about as low-key an entrance as you can get. Only the roar
from the watching Arsenal fans would have given you any clue about
the importance of this otherwise insignificant substitution.
His first contribution was a testing cross to the far post that
forced the Turkish sides defender to turn the ball aside. His next
consisted of a couple of stepovers on the right side and then a
pin-point ball on to the head of the Freddie Ljungberg, who steered
the effort narrowly wide.
They were only glimpses of potential but enough to make you believe
Arsène Wenger has plucked another rough diamond from footballs
hinterland. However the player himself admits hell need to polish
his skills for the transition to the English game.
I am very happy for this first match, he said afterwards. But I
know I have a lot more to do to prove myself. The rest of the squad
is very good. Robin van Persie particularly impressed me tonight.
But in my opinion, it is just important to be here with them and
stay away from injuries.
So far the training out here has not been difficult because we are
using the ball more than we did when I was at Dinamo Zagreb.
On the face of it, I feel there is no big difference between
English and Croatian football. It is just that in English football
there are a lot less mistakes and the players are physically
stronger than in Croatia. I am still adjusting to my new club but
it is good.
Eduardo also revealed he had forged friendships with Emmanuel
Eboue, Denilson, Philippe Senderos and Alex Hleb since arriving at
the Club.
On the strength of his cameo last night, he will be making a few
more in the stands during the coming season.
