The Situation
Tomas Rosicky was in the final few months of his contract. The midfielder has been an understated part in the Arsenal side this year and has been vital in coaching the side through games needing more experience, be it from deep or higher up. However, the new one-year deal was always in a bit of doubt, due to a similar situation ongoing with Bacary Sagna.
The Decision
The club were “pleased to announce” (as they always are – can’t we see some more inventive introductions!?) the Czech international had re-signed last week. With pen to paper for another year, the attention can now go on how his impact will affect Arsenal and their cup run-in for the rest of the season.
The one-year deal is likely to be on the same wage as Rosicky had been on before. With reports of other players signing, or close to, Arsenal have been getting their players to commit, as the side shapes up, and looks on the brink of a great team.
The Verdict
Rosicky is always a player who offers something different. He has gone from explosive to controlled, yet he has not lost any quality. If anything, the change has helped him to improve the weaker sides of his game. With age, this player has actually managed to become more important than anyone thought. This may not be obvious, but here’s why:
It is hard to find squad players who realise that their role is to be used in rotation. Every club needs them, if they seek success, but few top players will stick around for it. Of course, every player should be fighting for a starting role, but Rosicky will not make a fuss if he is on the bench. Instead, he comes on and tidies up the midfield, intermitted with the odd run through defences.
After seeing him play this season, it cemented the fact that he deserves a new contract. His experience is the obvious reason, however plenty more show up by scratching beneath the surface. His guile is hard to match. Not many sides will pick him out as a dangerman next to Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla or Theo Walcott. However, his sting will hurt when it hits and he can be just as lethal as any of the aforementioned trio.
The versatility he now has is a key part of the squad. By looking through the side, not many players are limited to just one position. Goalkeepers aside, Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny and Carl Jenkinson are the only players that really stand out as one-position characters. Even Koscielny has played at left-back in his younger years though. Rosicky can play deep, high or out wide. This concept is probably the key factor that pushed Arsene Wenger to keep him – experience alone is not enough.
The next point is his injuries. He is seemingly over the worst. He still picks up the odd niggle here and there, but it is a far cry from the early years. A quick browse of the internet finds message board posts from 2008 stating: “they need to be honest there is obviously summin going on behind the scenes…false hope for the fans they need to just say that his career is over and that we will buy 2 -3 players in jan”. Since then, his time has been plagued, but this year has been a different story.
Overall, the club has got this decision spot on. It’s a no-brainer as one of the most loyal and passionate players in the squad is rewarded.
Your Verdict
We asked our followers: What do you make of Tomas Rosicky being offered a new contract?
@djkellyfrosses: “its deserved hes still a very good player to have in the squad and still can have a big impact”
@jasonmccann1701: “its fantastic hes a great player for us when fit and a great role model for younger players!”
@adamhottee: “I luv Rosicky always bn brilliant 4 us but I just think he’s getting on now n getting quite a few injuries”
@DavTheGooner: “3rd year running Tomas has a 1 year extension because he deserves it. Now why can’t Sagna get a new 3 year deal?”
@VanGrader: “It’s great news, he is crucial for fast flowing football and general leadership. I think he’s our best player! #Mozart”
@KEITHMUKHRAM: “great news, tough customer that adds valuable experience. Hard work, tackling, and a vast range of passes. Tom rejuvenated”
@HARdunBArin: “Rozza is a legend, his love for the club is extraordinary”
@LucasArsenal18: “Good squad player, excellent experienced player to have in the team.”
@herbistar: “He is by far the most forward thinking midfielder in our team.Great news.”
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