Kevin Campbell speculated that Nicolas Pepe’s defensive shortcomings are limiting his opportunities at Arsenal in an interview with the Highbury Squad YouTube channel.
The ex-Gunners striker went as far as to claim that Mikel Arteta doesn’t trust Pepe defensively, and that would certainly explain the £72 million man’s limited appearances lately.
The Ivorian has started just one Premier League game this season, and there certainly has to be a reason behind why Arteta hasn’t turned to the club-record signing more often this term.
“You know I am not the biggest advocate of Pepe because I think he is too inconsistent, but I think he has proven he deserves a chance. Explain that to me,” The host asked.
“He (Arteta) does not trust Pepe defensively. He doesn’t, that’s that.”
Campbell’s co-host then argued that he’s better defensively when Ainsley Maitland-Niles is behind him, to which the Arsenal legend replied:
“But Maitland-Niles isn’t there, he’s not there. Again, we’re talking about hypotheticals, but we have to talk about the whole team, but what we have to do is look at the team.”
Arteta may have reservations about Pepe’s defensive work, but let’s be honest. He would never have lost his place in the team if his offensive work rate was at the level you’d expect from a £72 million player.
Five league goals in 31 league games last season made it very easy for Arteta to drop him, and while his defensive work is now being named as a reason, he’s not just been lacking there.
Of course, you do want wingers that are willing to track back, but you’d be much more willing to cut them some slack if they’re banging in 20 goals a season.
The former Lille man certainly has a long way to go if he’s going to justify that hefty price tag.
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