Can Nicklas Bendtner Rediscover His Scoring Touch?
Nicklas Bendtner is still at Arsenal. Nine years have passed since he joined the club, but the striker remains an option for Arsene Wenger to use at the head of his side’s attack.
The Dane’s record of 45 goals in 157 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners does not look too bad, but with only 22 and 99 of these respectively coming in the Premier League his impact seems much less impressive. Bendtner has spent the last two years away from the Emirates, with contrasting loan spells at Sunderland in 2011/12 and with Serie A champions Juventus last campaign. Whilst scoring eight goals in 28 games in a pretty average season for the Black Cats, Juventus defended the Scudetto without the 25-year-old finding the net after struggling with injury.
After he was arrested for drink driving, the Denmark national team told the forward in March that he would not be considered for selection for six months. Having previously been one of his country’s best performers, this was a blow for both parties, although it was considerably lessened by Bendtner’s injury problems and subsequent poor form.
Recently linked with a reunion with former Birmingham City manager Steve Bruce at Hull City, fellow Premier League newcomers Crystal Palace are said to have an interest in the striker. Whether either club will be able to sign him is another matter, with the cost of acquiring Bendtner’s services thought to be particularly expensive.
Bendtner needs playing time and there are plenty of teams that need goals. Could a combination of the two make everyone happy?
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