From being the answers to Arsenal’s prayers for a mercurial striker, to being a benchwarmer for nearly the entire of last season, Arsenal’s out-of-favor striker Marouane Chamakh’s career has seen a paradigm shift in the last two years. The Moroccan has now become a shadow of the man who tormented defenses at the start of the 2010-2011 season. The question is though, what next for Chamakh?
The striker got off to a flying start to his career as a Gunner after his free transfer from Bordeaux. He came at a time when Arsenal needed a striker to lead them in attack, given the recurring injuries to their first choice, Robin van Persie. Chamakh scored 10 goals in his first 21 games.
Fast forwarding to this season, Chamakh made 19 appearances last term where he scored just once as van Persie stole the limelight and had the best season of his career. Not many can blame Chamakh to be upset as he was thrived of playing time. Pondering over his future, Chamakh said, “I need to concentrate and have a good season,”
I will try to give my maximum but I am waiting. I don’t know what I will be doing.
I have not spoken with the manager but I will soon. If I am staying here with Arsenal, I will do my best for the team and the maximum.
Last season was difficult. We were playing with just one striker and that striker was the best player in Europe. There was not a lot I could do.
I was upset because I still think I could have played more but football is like that. Sometimes you do not have a chance. I hope this season I will play more.”