Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United have all completed the first leg of their respective Champions League last-16 ties, but only one of their players has found the net in those three games: Joel Campbell.
Few would have expected the Costa Rica starlet, owned by the Gunners and currently on loan at Olympiakos (his third temporary home in as many seasons), to steal the limelight after seven days of action that have seen some of the continent’s most high-profile players go head-to-head.
But it was the 21-year-old attacker who tormented United on a humiliating night for David Moyes’ side in Athens. To cap what was already a bright performance from the right wing, Campbell made his decisive impact on 54 minutes.
After embarrassing Michael Carrick by knocking the ball through his legs, Campbell arched a brilliant left-footed shot from distance around Rio Ferdinand and into the bottom left corner of David de Gea’s goal to put the Greeks 2-0 in front – a shock lead they would hold on to with surprising ease.
Campbell can expect his movements to be heavily scrutinised from now on, but he has quietly been growing in stature and influence as a player ever since he was plucked from relative obscurity at Deportivo Saprissa in 2011.
After impressing at international level for Costa Rica with two goals at the Under-20 World Cup and a senior goal at that summer’s Copa America, Arsene Wenger, a manager well-known for his ability to capture young players at a bargain price and help them to realise their potential, made his move.
The Premier League side paid just over €1 million to sign the youngster, who had only just turned 19 and never played outside of his homeland. Wenger admitted he was taking a gamble but his gut instinct was that this was a deal which would pay off in the long-term.
Learning the ropes | Campbell has honed his skills on loan at Lorient, Betis & Olympiakos
The Frenchman said at the time: “Joel is a young prospect. He has talent and he can play on the right, on the left or more centrally. We have taken a gamble on him but, from what we have seen so far, it is one that is worth taking.”
It looks like, as is often the case, Wenger’s long-term vision is going to prove correct but up until his breakout display against United, Campbell has been on an unconventional career journey over the last three years.
Immediately after signing for Arsenal without a British work permit, the wide attacker’s first move was to France, where he joined top-flight outfit Lorient for a battle against Ligue 1 relegation.
Campbell did not make an immediate impression and endured a mixed campaign. His whole spell yielded just four goals in 27 appearances but he did grow in stature as the season progressed, producing some effective performances. His pace and direct style meant he was often a particularly useful weapon when he came off the bench.
It was clear that his rise to the top was not going to be instant as he may have liked, but the starlet quickly began to understand that hard work and acquiring experience would see his career continue to move in an upward direction.
After his spell at Lorient, he said: "Football in France is very tactical, very tough and very physical. It’s been great for me, though. I’ve learnt a lot from the football here and I hope it helps me for my career.
"I’ve learnt a lot of things from being in a relegation battle: mental strength and team unity. These are tough times and for a player like me who is just starting out it’s a great experience."
| “Joel
is a young prospect. He has talent and he can play right, left or
centrally. We have taken a gamble on him but, it is one worth taking”
- Arsene Wenger
|
 |
The following year saw Campbell take another step up the ladder. He was sent out on loan again, this time to Real Betis in Spain, providing him with a chance to sample La Liga.
His season in Seville followed a familiar trend. Again, his impact became greater after he had undergone an initial spell of adaptation. By the second half of the campaign, he had become a crucial component of the side that impressively finished seventh under Pepe Mel.
He was still extremely quick, but becoming stronger and fitter than he had been the year before. Even though his end product could be wayward, he was popular with the supporters and Betis wanted to take him back for 2013-14 until they baulked at Arsenal’s demands for a larger loan fee.
Campbell was eligible for a work permit to play in England this season but Wenger decided another loan stint was required. Olympiakos stepped in to provide the chance to play for a table-topping team, as well as a first taste of the Champions League.
The strike against United took this season’s tally to 10 goals from 26 starts – a fine ratio from a predominantly wide position. He has been a creative force, too, memorably picking up four assists when Olympiakos hammered OFI 5-1 in October.
Still only 21, Campbell is by no means the finished article. His decision-making in the final third still needs to be worked on, as does his temperament – he was recently reprimanded by Fifa for a ridiculous dive against the USA.
But, with experience, the flashes of talent are now being honed into more consistent displays and his tally of international caps has reached 30. For the rest of this season a Greek Super League winners’ medal awaits, as well as the possibility of an extended run in the Champions League.
As for next year, his exploits against United may well have persuaded Wenger that the time has come to judge first-hand whether his gamble really will pay off by giving Campbell the chance to star in Arsenal’s first-team squad.
No comments:
Post a Comment