Former Arsenal centre-back Philippe Senderos has given his perspective on the squad being built by Mikel Arteta and whether or not it has what it takes to finally land the Premier League in an exclusive interview with BOYLE Sports.
The retired Swiss international gives his thoughts on what could be next for his fellow Swissman, with Xhaka backed to shine for Sunderland and Sommer linked with a big summer move.
Senderos also gave praise to former teammate Fabregas and whether Como could manage Arsenal someday, and what could come next for Sterling and Grealish this summer.
Swiss Moves
“Natural Leader” Xhaka Perfect For Sunderland
Yeah, look, he’s a natural leader. I played with him in the national team right at the start of his journey - I think his first game was actually at Wembley against England. It surprised me in one way, but in another, it’s a really smart transfer from Sunderland.
If you have the chance to bring in such an experienced player, such a character, in the dressing room, I think you have to take it. For him to come back to the Premier League - a league he likes and has enjoyed - I think he’ll definitely be a good influence around the place.
It just shows the financial power the Premier League has - it’s tremendous, it’s huge. The league is a brand in itself; it’s done so well to keep developing, and we see it year in, year out. Promoted teams can compete financially with clubs that play in the Champions League. Bringing in players like Granit Xhaka really shows how far the Premier League has come.
Sommer Move?
I think Yann Sommer is a very, very experienced player and a calming presence. He makes the defence better because of that presence. I can’t really judge Andre Onana in this situation, but if United were to target Yann Sommer, I’d really believe he’d add invaluable experience.
It’s about how he is as a person, how he is on the pitch. He’s a great character and amazing in what he brings to a defence. We’ve seen it with Inter Milan and Bayern Munich the year before
Next In Line Ndoye
Definitely. Players like that are invaluable. We’ve had others too - some have been linked to Premier League moves. Dan Ndoye, for example, has been doing really well in Italy and has been linked with a move to the Premier League.
We’ve had Manuel Akanji, obviously, playing in the Premier League. These players who play at the highest level bring those qualities back to the national team. That kind of experience is huge for the development of Swiss football.
Gyökeres
Goals Guaranteed For Gyökeres?
Yeah, it’s hard to say this early, but it was an amazing header and a great cross; he really went in front of the defender. That’s the kind of movement I haven’t seen much in the last few years, so I’m really happy to see it.
Then to see him celebrate in front of the fans in one of his first games is exciting. Does he remind me of anyone? He’s a real number 9, has an eye for goal, likes to get his shots off. I’m not sure he reminds me of a specific player, but I hope he has the kind of impact that former Swedish players like Freddie Ljungberg had, who is a legend of the club.
Top-Scorer Victor Gyökeres @13/2
Fàbregas
Could Fàbregas Manage Arsenal?
First of all, for Arsenal, Mikel Arteta is doing a tremendous job. The club has moved into a different sphere, firstly with Edu and now Andrea Berta as sporting director. They’ve made some really smart signings, they’re continuing to back Mikel, and I’m pleased about that.
On Cesc, I think he’s been tremendous in management. He started with the second team, took over the first team at Como, got them promoted, and now he’s done really well with a top-10 finish.
Last year, his team was always competitive - not always dominant, but always in the game and that shows the mark of a coach. He’s got a bright future, and I’m sure he’ll be looked at by big clubs in the future, whether it’s Arsenal or somewhere else.
Arsenal Defence
“World-Class” Saliba
Yeah, William Saliba is world-class, like many others in the squad, but players with contracts can’t just decide to move on. I think the club is continuing to grow and showing intent with their signings.
As a player, seeing new, talented faces arrive is always exciting. There’s only one winner in the Premier League, one in the Champions League, so everyone is competing. But when you see top players coming in, it’s encouraging for all members of the squad.
Arsenal’s Defensive Pair
It’s very valuable to have that stability at centre-back with William Saliba and Gabriel.
To have a solid spine is so important, and having both of them fit is important as well. They complement each other really well - their qualities and even their faults- and they’ve added a lot of grit to the team. I’m very pleased to see this Arsenal backline.
Kolo Touré
Most of my games were with Kolo Touré, and I really enjoyed playing with him. He had a lot of qualities that definitely helped me in my game.
Everton
Everton “Moving Into A Different Galaxy”
Yeah, I think you always lose a little bit of history when you move to a new stadium, but in this case, I also think Everton are moving into a different galaxy to a bigger stadium.
The club is continuing to grow. At the beginning, of course, there’s a bit of nostalgia when you think about the old ground, but the fans will enjoy the new matchday experience for sure, and the players will enjoy playing there.
I’m really excited about Everton, and having David Moyes back is also exciting for the club to move forward.
Everton Top-Half - @7/4
Forgotten Footballers
Grealish Must Go Enjoy Football Again!
I think for Jack he just needs to enjoy his football again. I played with him at Villa, and I was really excited when he moved to City.
But recently, if he’s not getting the minutes, because of the competition, because of everything at City, then in a World Cup year, it’s always important to be playing. I’d be excited to see him anywhere, because I think he’s a great player, always amazing to watch. Hopefully, wherever he goes, he plays well, because he’s a fantastic talent.
Sterling Needs Games!
I think when you pass a certain age, you really need to be playing regularly to have an impact. It’s difficult for offensive players now, up front, they’re getting younger and younger. Raheem needs to be playing every week.
At Chelsea, he hasn’t been getting the games, so anywhere he can stay in the top leagues and play as much as possible would be good for him, and it would help extend his career.
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