[TuxMulder]

I think the analytical approach is still working for Arsenal; Monreal, Koscielny, Coquelin, Bellerin, Carzola, Giroud - non of those guys were marquee signings who cost loads, but all are now indispensable and could arguably walk into most teams in Europe.

The analytical approach is clearly working for other teams too. The game is slowly changing and people are finally seeing the worth in the stats.

[robmcm]

I would argue they are typical squad players for a team of Arsenal's level. I would be very surprised to see any of them get poached from another champions league club, or have a statue erected outside the Emirates.

Analytic no doubt played a part in their signing, but it's hard to argue that they are exceptional examples of recruitment in the way Lewandowski or Kagawa were to Dortmund.

[chill_t]

Wow - Had to mention Harry Kane on here huh? He is a real star, did you see his wunder(own)goal the other day? Took his tally up to 2 goals on the year! Our carl jenkinson has more than him! (ef the spuds).

In all seriousness, I don't think arsene's ability to unearth hidden gems and turn them into 10/20/30 million $ players has completely gone. I mean FFS hector bellerin (not really unearthed from some hidden continent in Africa, he was bought as teenager from Barcalona) was a complete unknown and now is dead locked for the first team spot for Arsenal. This is the unknown youngster who, within a span of 1.5 years, went from nothin to first team start. He just played against Bayern Munich which is possibly the best team in the world, was able to keep Douglas Costa off the score sheet (top top winger/stricker) and to top it off, made the most insane interception I have ever seen. His pace is literally electric and even sitting at home on my couch I can feel the people in the Emirates standing on edge when he starts racing forwards.

[parennoob]

> not really unearthed from some hidden continent in Africa, he was bought as teenager from Barcalona

This is HN, can we have some geographical accuracy and keep the casual stereotyping to a minimum? First of all Africa is itself a continent, second of all it is not exactly unknown.

Just because some soccer-watching people don't know much about it doesn't mean that comments about "some hidden place in Africa" are particularly appropriate for a more general audience.

[corin_]

I think those players all have the potential to achieve legend status at Arsenal (maybe not Monreal so much, and maybe not Giroud though for the latter I'd argue because he's under-rated by many) if they a.) Keep going the way they're hoped to for a few years (improving for youngsters like Bellerin, staying the same quality for Cazorla) and b.) are instrumental in bringing a few more trophies to the club. It needs a mix of personal quality, longevity at the club and also team success.

That said, even if none of them go down in the books as legends, they can still be excellent examples of great value purchases.

[robmcm]

I would argue they are typical, perhaps good signings for a club such as Arsenal. They were all however known, and already playing at big European clubs.

None were say playing for say Halmstads BK or unknown to everyone in the top tear other than vai some obscure stats system...

[dajohnson89]

To your point, I'd say two of his best signings in recent memory were Cech and Özil -- both mature players who were already recognized as hugely talented on the international level.

However in fairness to Wegner, I think Danny Welbeck was identified to be a potential "hidden gem" but unfortunately he has been plauged by injuries. And it's hard to criticize one for being unable to find the likes of Henry.

[robmcm]

I don't think you can class a 15 million pound Welbeck, who was playing for Manchester United and the England senior team as a "hidden gem" when compared against Shinji Kagawa who was playing for Cerezo Osaka in the J League and signed for €350,000...