Due to the imperious form of first choice centre backs Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny, Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen has hardly seen any game time this season. And with it being a world cup year, and Belgium qualifying for their first tournament since 2002, you could understand if the player had frustrations.

Spoken to Wenger

The Belgian has revealed that he has spoken to Arsene Wenger over his frustration at a lack of action this season, though has revealed he does not really want to leave the club.

Vermaelen has been limited to only two appearances, of which one was a start against West Brom in the Capital One Cup. Hardly what you would expect to see from a club captain.

However, with Koscielny and Mertesacker doing a fine job at the heart of the defence there would be no reason why Wenger would change the system.

Despite this, it is worth noting, that Vermaelen only lost his place due to injury last season, and due to Arsenal having an awful injury record and Koscielny liking to pick up cards, Vermaelen is only a suspension or injury happening away from regaining his place in the starting line up.

Can you blame him?

It is hard not to agree with Vermaelen being frustrated about lack of game time, especially if he wants to cement his place in the Belgium team in Brazil for next summer’s World Cup. However, at this moment in time he is not one of our top two centre backs, and so therefore deserves his place on the bench.

I think that the Belgian has carried out his duties as captain admirably even though he hasn’t been playing, and has proved what a role model he is for the club.

If Vermaelen does eventually decide to seek a move elsewhere in search of first team football, then you could not really blame him. Though I for one hope he stays, as he provides competition to keep Per and Laurent on the top of their game.

And who knows, there are eight months till next year’s World Cup, and a lot can happen in eight months; Vermaelen could yet regain his place, and if he does, he has to seize the opportunity with both hands.

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