Costa Rica’s World Cup hero Joel Campbell is to be handed his big shot at Arsenal after impressing Arsene Wenger during his country’s 3-1 win over Uruguay on Saturday.
Campbell has been on loan at Olympiakos in Greece last season, where he made the headlines for scoring against Manchester United in the Champions League knockout stages, and his man of the match display in the Group D clash has only helped his cause.
Campbell is yet to represent Arsenal at senior level but has impressed in spells at Lorient, Real Betis and finally the Greek champions. Although he was just 18th in the Greek League’s top scorers standing with 8 goals, Campbell also contributed 9 assists while playing next to now Fulham man Costas Mitroglou.
He characteristically snatched a goal and an assist as the Costa Ricans shocked Uruguay in Group D, the tournament group which also involves England and Italy.
Challenge
Costa Rica’s assistant manager Paolo Wanchope said:
“Joel really wants to go back to Arsenal and play and I told him that the only way to do that was by performing on the pitch,”
“He did well against Uruguay and I think that he needs to perform even better against Italy and England to have that chance to go back to Arsenal.
“I’m sure that Arsène Wenger will have a look at him.”
Under our Noses
Wenger, who is in Brazil covering France’s games for his native TV, commented on the youngster after he thrashed home a sweet left-footed half-volley:
“He will definitely come back to us for pre-season,” the Arsenal manager said. “He is maturing well.”
Wenger is on the lookout for fresh attacking talent, with big money moves for Mario Balotelli, Karim Benzema and Loic Remy all quoted.
However, if Campbell can impress against Italy at 5PM on Friday, the Frenchman may have no need to go searching.
“In this moment, I don’t want to speak about my future,” Campbell said as he hugged his man of the match award.
"I only think about my country because I have total respect for my team. I have all my mind on Costa Rica.”
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