Looks like Danny K. started today with a pretty impressive group-Ashley Cole did not appear to be present (nor the French cat that backs him up) so Danny played at left back in a 9-1 Arsenal win. Arsenal starters were: Manuel Almunia, Lauren , Daniel Karbassiyoon ,Ray Parlour , Philippe Senderos, Pascal Cygan,Cesc Fabregas ,Jermaine Pennant Dennis Bergkamp,Jose Reyes,Robin van Persie Simek must have come on at halftime, though the Arsenal site has not updated when the subs came on.
Danny K is behind Ashley Cole and Gael Clichy at LB. These guys are two of the best in the Premiership, and they are only 23 and 19, respectively. Unless something changes--like Arsenal sells Clichy--Danny doesn't have a future playing for Arsenal. It is up to the player to impress when he gets minutes so that other clubs notice him. If DK can get time at LB in the league cup, maybe he can get a move to a D1 contender, either by transfer or on loan. If he's not long for Arsenal, I hope he gets himself into a good situation elsewhere.
I tend to agree with your analysis here, though I actually don't expect Clichy to remain at Arsenal too much longer-he's too good a young prospect that will be itching for first team action before too long. I expect he may get loaned out in January or next year a la Bentley, Pennant, and Jeffers if Danny K. can prove a viable backup for Cole this year. And, as you said, these games also put Danny on the shopping window as well. No doubt this a big year for him to prove himself in England.
All reports are Simek had no impact because Barnet had there spirits broken by the time he came in so it was not a test for him.
I just gotta say that I think this whole thing with Karbassiyoon is just a great development. First off, to be spotted and signed by Arsenal out of obscurity - he wasn't on the youth national teams or playing for a high profile youth club - and get exposed and trained by everything Arsenal has to offer is just great for the kid and a good thing for American soccer. And then to be switched to left back to learn the position from the same folks who converted Cole from attacker to LB and who are apparently doing a great job with Clichy. I mean, I can't imagine a better organization to handle the coversion to and training for LB and I can't think of a better role model for the position than Cole. Do I think Danny will be a regualr for Arsenal's first team? I seriously doubt it, given Cole's age. I do agree with others that Clichy will likely be sold or loaned out very soon and that will open up some chances for Danny as a reserve, so he might get some minutes there spotting Cole is Clichy is loaned or sold. But, while Danny may never play regularly for the Gunners, I could see next season (05-06) Danny getting loaned or sold to a first division team or a lower level EPL team to be their starting left back. I mean, given Arsenal's track record with LBs, that alone should have some clubs interested in their latest product at the positiuon. And, given how few LBs we have in the US, that can be nothing but good for US Soccer. I'm not saying Danny is gonna be the starting LB in Germany in two years, but if he's getting regular first team minutes at the position in England, it should only be a matter of time - once he becomes a regular first teamer - before he gets called up by the national team.
I dunno, maybe. I don't remember. I certainly could have. I imagine I felt the same way a few months ago! Sorry if it's repetitive.
What's the thought of Simek's future? He played in a Carling Cup match last year and I think he was captain of the reserves. What is the next step for him? I don't see that playing another year for the reserves is going to be a big help for him. Does he get on the bench with the first team or does he get loaned out somewhere?
Well, Arsenal is supposedly looking around for a transfer or two to bulk up their backup options at centreback behind Sol and Toure. So maybe that's not the best show of confidence in Frankie (and Senderos, perhaps?) by Arsene and co.
Trying to think of a quick comeback. Nothing coming to mind. Maybe we could hire the guy to coach instead of play.