Came here for this. Often touted as the next Fabregas, but ended up not even being the next Seb Larsson. Jon Toral even more so.
Rami Shaaban is another random one, such a weird signing. He had no pedigree whatsoever when he came to Arsenal, having played 8 seasons of professional football across 6 different clubs in Sweden and Egypt. He went on loan at West Ham and then moved to Brighton, managing a massive 9 appearances in 4 years of English football.
Larsson had a good career, pretty much played 70% of his time in England in the PL. Played 133 times for his country, when they were actually good. Made over 200 apps for Birmingham and Sunderland and 40 for Hull. Played PL football for Sunderland for his whole run and played three season for Birmingham in PL with two only in the Championship and all of his run with Hull in the Championship. I’d consider that a success.
Toral, had a decent run in Championship but never seemed to settle with one club. The fact he was shipped off to Greece and not with one of their biggest clubs is pretty telling and he was only 26. Seems to be playing regularly for that side.
Yeah I’m not saying Larsson wasn’t good, he had a good career for sure, just nowhere near the level of Cesc in ability or achievements. The hype around Merida was crazy at one point but he never got close to the level of someone like Larsson even, that was my point.
Came here for this. Often touted as the next Fabregas, but ended up not even being the next Seb Larsson. Jon Toral even more so.
Rami Shaaban is another random one, such a weird signing. He had no pedigree whatsoever when he came to Arsenal, having played 8 seasons of professional football across 6 different clubs in Sweden and Egypt. He went on loan at West Ham and then moved to Brighton, managing a massive 9 appearances in 4 years of English football.
Larsson had a good career, pretty much played 70% of his time in England in the PL. Played 133 times for his country, when they were actually good. Made over 200 apps for Birmingham and Sunderland and 40 for Hull. Played PL football for Sunderland for his whole run and played three season for Birmingham in PL with two only in the Championship and all of his run with Hull in the Championship. I’d consider that a success.
Toral, had a decent run in Championship but never seemed to settle with one club. The fact he was shipped off to Greece and not with one of their biggest clubs is pretty telling and he was only 26. Seems to be playing regularly for that side.
Yeah I’m not saying Larsson wasn’t good, he had a good career for sure, just nowhere near the level of Cesc in ability or achievements. The hype around Merida was crazy at one point but he never got close to the level of someone like Larsson even, that was my point.