After Arsenal’s even younger Gunners (is that possible?) splutter through with a 0-0 draw in Prague, earning a guaranteed place in the knockout round of the Champions League, I have to admit I am beginning to wonder. Now I know what people are thinking, oh beginning to wonder whether this young team has what it takes to make a title run in the Premier League, or whether it has the depth to make it Athens for the Champions League final. No, I have not lost faith in this team or its depth. But, I am beginning to wonder about some of the players on this team and their true value to the team. Is that so wrong?

It is not so bad to be negative when things are going well; after all, who wants positive all the time? Some players on this team seem to continually be given free passes despite underperforming while others do not seem to get the respect they deserve. Interested to know who? It might pain you to hear, but something in your gut tells you I’m right:

Emmanuel Adebayor:
Look at the statistics of Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor. The lanky and gangly youngster reminds some of former Nigerian legend Kanu with his size, skill, and presence on the ball. He obviously started the season out brightly, accruing six goals in the first six games, including two screamers at Tottenham. But, since that game at White Hart Lane, tell me honestly what he has done? (Ed’s note – This piece was submitted before Monday night’s visit to Reading) He will rarely shoot from outside, he has not drawn more than one penalty, and for a big man he is, frankly, poor in the air. How many times has a perfect cross come to Adebayor in the air only for the striker to head the ball right into the ground? Moreover, how many times does he seem to give up on a play, walk back and smile? Too often Adebayor seems to think he is playing on the beach.

More importantly, while statistics do not reveal all, they do show his penchant for doing most of his damage in less important matches. Three of his six goals were against Derby, and his two assists were against Steaua Bucuresti and Sunderland.

Look, I know Adebayor has a great deal of potential, but potential alone should not earn him a regular position in the starting eleven. Adebayor seems to act as if that spot is guaranteed, and Arsene has not challenged him by leaving the big man on the bench for a meaningful match. What if Eduardo begins to show the poaching ability in big-time matches for Arsenal like he does with Croatia? He needs a chance, and that does not entail coming on as a substitution with ten minutes left. If Adebayor is going to become a top striker, a feat he is clearly capable of, he is going to have to start scoring or making a bigger impact in matches regularly.

Emmanuel Eboue:
Arsene: You are infinitely wiser than I when it comes to being a football manager and evaluating talent, but I cannot understand your decision to keep Eboue in the midfield. I have nothing against players with the first name Emmanuel, but this Ivory Coast youngster simply does not make a good winger. He was an excellent right back last season, but that role has been more than adequately filled by Bacary Sagna. I love the pace that Eboue brings to the side and he certainly has shown the tools to be a quality player for Arsenal. However, he has not performed well as a winger this season.

Eboue has missed numerous, wide-open chances and does not have the class in front of the net that is necessary. Even his crosses, sublime last year, have been lacking this year. Look at Eboue’s statistics and convince me that he deserves to be in the starting eleven: 11 games, 1 assist (which came on the last goal of a 7-0 drubbing at Slavia Prague). I can think of two positive things Eboue has done this year, both marginal at best: First, after he was subbed off against Manchester United, the Red Devils scored off of a cross from his vacated wing; Second, he hit the post against Liverpool.

I know that Eboue can be an effective player for the Gunners – I saw it last year. Still, until Eboue can contribute consistently on the wing, he does not deserve an automatic spot in the regular first eleven. Give me Hleb and Rosicky on the wings with two strikers, or even Abou Diaby and Theo Walcott. Please, Le Boss, just give a second thought to not automatically placing Eboue in the line up.

Kolo Toure v. William Gallas:
Arsene: You are unparalled at recognising talent but I have (and have had) questions about how you name your captain. Last year, Thierry Henry was captain, a role that did not seem to truly suit him. Henry continually barked at the rest of his team when bad passes were made, and it did not appear that they welcomed his leadership. This year, you named William Gallas as captain. The Frenchman has not been a bad choice, especially with his goal against Manchester United, but is he truly the best man for the job? I do not think so.

I would have Kolo Toure as the Gunners’ captain. Toure has been a rock this year, as always. The Ivorian is constantly urging his team with positive reinforcement and inspiring them with charging runs out of the back. His run against Fulham produced the penalty kick equaliser in the first match, and his strike against Bolton broke the will of the Wanderers.

It truly appears as if both Gallas and Toure have the respect of the side, but Toure, for me, is more inspiring. While both have generally played well, Toure has been far the better player and a more visible leader. Time will tell whether Wenger got it right, but it seems to me that Toure is the better man for the job.