Bendtner Sends Arsenal Timely Reminder Of His Presence

Few players can generate the same levels of frustration as Nicklas Bendtner – a man who despite possessing clear ability, more often than not flatters to deceive. Worryingly for Arsenal fans should they lose number one striker Oliver Giroud, this is the figure of frustration who will be tasked to lead their line.

The Dane made a dramatic return to international football on Friday night, firing a brace which but for an Alberto Aquilani strike in stoppage time might have lifted Denmark’s World Cup push from its knee’s. Prior to this the enigma that is Bendtner had been absent through serving a sixth month ban imposed on him by the FA due to drink driving. Undoubtedly the Dane’s have missed him – and prior to those earlier mentioned goals their top scorer was Daniel Agger with just two.

International football, though, is not where his problems lie. In truth this is where he has produced his best football – a return of 24 goals in 56 starts is a pretty impressive haul. It is difficult to say whether his skills are just better suited to international football, maybe it is that he feels more at home representing his country or being the main attraction – but without question he should have done more with his club career to date.

Bendtner has recently spoke about how last season’s loan spell at Juventus has helped him mature as a person and a player, stating that he is now ready to finally make an impact at Arsenal. The only problem with that is that he has never been one not to talk up his own talents, meaning anything that comes out of his mouth needs to be taken with a pinch of salt.

That spell at Juve was hardly inspiring in terms of results, given that he failed to score a single goal – although his opportunities were limited. A loan spell the previous season at Sunderland saw glimpses of Bendtner’s undoubted talent, but amongst the handful of strong performers were numerous displays where he flattered to deceive.

On his day Bendtner has the power and strength to prove unplayable, which only adds to the frustration that he generates. With Arsene Wenger seemingly having lost enough sleep trying to unlock the troublesome striker, it was believed that his career with the Gunners was over a long time ago. However with Arsenal failing to bring in another body up front, a move to Hull fell through – meaning that Wenger now finds himself in the uncomfortable position of possibly having to rely on the much maligned striker.

The talent is there, as we saw on Friday night, but whether it can be unlocked is another debate entirely. At 25 Bendtner is well past borrowed time and it is now or never if he is to become anything more than a wasted talent.

Does Bendtner Have A Future At Arsenal?
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	Don't Care - Bring Back Francis Jeffers
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