Talent alone enough to succeed?

Afternoon folks

It's a reasonably quiet afternoon. Another article will most likely be posted later on with match review and such.

My main topic was something Wenger said in the shareholders meeting yesterday, something along the lines if he doesn't play the like of Jack Wilshere, they will leave. ArsenalInsider has a great article on the Q and A session here.

It got me thinking of all the youngsters we have let go. Some have been amazingly talented, some have let the bright lights take centre stage in their lives.

Probably the two most profile youngsters we have let go are Jermaine Pennant and David Bentley. I'm sure you'll agree, two very very promising young players. We signed Pennant for £2 million from Notts County at the ripe ol' age of 15. He announced his arrival on the big stage at the start of our Invincible run, netting a hat trick in the 6-1 demolition of Southampton. If that isn't a platform to kick on to, then the player has to be questioned. Sadly, that turned out to be the case.

Wasted talent?

Arsene had seen enough. His attitude not up to scratch to be considered a first team player for the Arsenal. A big money move to Birmingham followed. At Birmingham, he became the first player to wear an electronic tag whilst playing a game. Such off field issues fully justified Wenger's decision to let the talented, yet frustrating Pennant leave.

Since then, he joined Liverpool, and despite playing in the Champions League final defeat to AC Milan, never set the world alight. He then joined Real Zaragoza of Spain. Following a year or so in Spain, he has ended up and Rugby Union outfit Stoke City.

Pennant's career path is a reminder of talent doesn't get you to the top alone. You need a wise head screwed on and a hard-working attitude. Sadly, for all his ability, Pennant can only be described as a total plank!

Bentley, or Fiat Punto?

Another example of a talent not fulfilling his potential is David Bentley. I believe it was against Middlesbrough where Bentley scored an outrageous lob from outside of the box to make Arsenal fan's sit up and take notice. That goal was very Bergkamp-esque. He young lad was being hailed as the next David Beckham, causing excitement amongst the Arsenal faithful.

Again, personal attitude came into question. He was shipped off to Blackburn on loan, impressing and netting a notable hat trick versus Man United. That loan was soon made permanent, much to the surprise of many gooners. Me included. He forged a nice career up at Ewood and soon won himself a big money move to perennial no-hopers Tottenham Hotspur. It was this move that opened the wider picture for gooners. Capello dropped him for his attitude, didn't like what he was seeing. And now, he's barely getting a look-in at Tottenham. A big waste of talent, gone purely down the drain.

My main aim of this article is purely of this; is talent alone enough to get you to the top? No. I'm sure there have been others who's attitude has stopped them from hitting the big time.

Currently, our youngsters are impressing both on the pitch and off the pitch. I've again picked out two young players who back up my views.

Early this year, Aaron Ramsey picked up an horrific injury. However, his attitude, as well as his ability, has been impressive. He says all the right things to the media, to the fans alike. His latest interview, is very refreshing. He is full of hunger and desire, two things Jermaine and David maybe lacked.

Heading for the top?

"All I have ever wanted to do is be a professional footballer,"

"I am doing that now, even though I've had a little blip, and I'm very confident I will come back from this as an even stronger and better player.

"Hopefully I can keep improving and can become a great player for this football club."

Like I said, he is saying all the right things. The upside to Aaron's injury is he has time on his side. He has stated also that he once on the pitch, he won't hold back. As a player, Ramsey has impressed. He reminds me of a Steven Gerrard type player. Very dynamic but also elegant in his play. I can't wait for his return to action. It's this sort of attitude that is needed at Arsenal, and I'm he will be rewarded.

Another young player, who has hit the headlines this season, is Jack Wilshere. He has had a turbulent start to the season so far, being the victim of off field antics. The lack of noise since seem to suggest he was only peacemaker in a scuffle outside a night club. I believe it is well known the Jack is tee-total. As a young lad, that is refreshing to hear from an up and coming young talent. He know's the perils of living the high life, and his career is far too important to drink away.

Jack the Lad

After his stunning performance against Braga, he has already shown us he is ready for Arsenal. In Arsene Wenger, he has a manager to keep his feet firmly on the ground. In Cesc Fabregas, he has master to shadow. Jack himself agrees.

With such attitude, followed by an unbelievable amount of talent, it's hard to see Wilshere not succeeding at Arsenal. Out of all the youngsters, Jack is the most exciting. It's alot of pressure to handle at such a young age, but with the help of those around him, Jack is more than capable of exceeding expectations.

So, am I way off the mark in dismissing Messrs Pennant and Bentley? Hard to say. Am I jumping the gun in my beliefs of Ramsey and Wilshere making the grade? Probably not. Either way, I'd love to hear your views.

Thank's for your time, and have yourselves a fun filled weekend!