Borussia Moechengladbach recently announced signings of two players to assist the Bundesliga’s worst defensive back line. One of those players is Havard Nordtveit from Arsenal, a right back who was signed by Arsene Wenger 3 years ago but has never cracked the starting XI it seems.
While on loan to Nuremberg last season, the lad played a bit at RB and as a defensive midfielder, but it looks like Arsene only saw him fit to ride the bench during Carling Cup matches. So, his move to Bundesliga now is permanent, signing a 2 1/2 year deal with the Foals.
Arsenal fans: good riddance or should the 20 year old have been held onto a bit longer? Just asking.
Yeah he was the reserve captain for a bit I think, and he’s also been pretty involved in pre-season training in the past. In fact, I think he started a few times around the time of the Emirates Cup. I always thought he was highly rated but I guess not, shame because I hear he had a few fairly impressive showings in the Bundesliga with Nuremberg
Bah. He’s no Henri Lansbury.
Thanks–just wondering.
He was rated very highly on FM for a while. Not so much lately.
He still gets up in the high 80s in FIFA 11. Had a decent year playing part time at Nuremburg last year. Very big, fairly mobile, not a great ball player though, which I think is what Arsene didn’t like about him. Could develop into basically Brede Hangeland but with worse distribution.
So, to sum up: A pretty good signing for Gladbach, but not for the Counterattack.
personally, I think it’s a poor decision by AW to let Havard go. Of course, in the time I’ve been following Arsenal, I feel AW’s decision making with the back four has been questionable more than once. I own a Senderos Swiss jersey too
@WNF: it’s great Djourou can play out of the back and push forward, but far too often Arsenal CBs need to punt the ball upfield to clear their lines when, instead, they play cutsy passes (ahem, Liverpool opening day, Chelsea last week – Drogba miss). It’s as if AW will impose a fine if they hoof the ball upfield.
I think AW should’ve kept him b/c when ever I hear his name I think of OJ in the Naked Gun movies – which is never a bad thing.