Tim Sherwood told Amazon Prime that Nicolas Pepe is ‘blocking up the pathway’ for Arsenal’s rising start Bukayo Saka.
The outspoken TV pundit claimed that he ‘cannot understand’ why Arsenal purchased the 25-year-old winger because they already had Saka in their academy.
Arsenal paid big dollars for Pepe’s services last summer when Unai Emery was in charge and it’s fair to say that he’s yet to showcase his worth to the fans.
Sherwood stated that Saka has been Arsenal’s best player during this miserable campaign and thinks the youngsters should now be given a shot ahead of the big-money players.
“Absolutely [give the youngsters more chance],” said Sherwood. “They aren’t going to do worse than the players they brought in.
“Forget reputations, forget price-tag, play them on whose trying. Who wants to be at the football club? You cut them [the youngsters] in half and they will bleed the colour of their club. They care more than the players you bring into your football club.
“But you have to show them a little bit of love. You have to show them the opportunities you give to the £10, £15, £20, £50, £100 million signings. The Pepe’s of this world.
“They brought Pepe in. I cannot understand why they brought him into the football club because they have Saka already there. They are blocking up the pathway of a good academy player. Saka has been their best player this season.”
Putting Saka and Pepe’s talents side to side many would feel that Arsenal have paid big bucks for the Englishman, but it’s simply not the case.
In truth, when Arsenal purchased Pepe it wasn’t a problem area because the middle of the park and the defence needed sorting out.
That still applies today even though summer captures Gabriel and Thomas Partey have impressed since their arrival.
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