Player Of The Month – Nov 2008 – Amaury Bischoff

Midfielder Amaury Bischoff has collected the Lamb Awards sponsored Young Guns Player Of The Month crown for November 2008, after finally finding his form and proving his worth since his infamous transfer from Werder Bremen.

The Portuguese Under 21 International was a surprise signing during the summer, and due to his lack of experience and terrible injury record, Amaury was written off before he had even kicked a ball. His first months with the club were spent undertaking extensive rehabilitation following groin surgery, adding up to a frustrating start.

Bischoff’s first fixture in the Red & White came against Stoke City’s Reserves, where he showed flashes of quality but only featured for 50 minutes. However, a month later, with his fitness returning, the 21-year-old found his feet. A classy if a little inconsistent shift during the Reserves clash with Fulham would be decisive in his break through. A sumptuous chest control to beat a defender was matched by a dipping volley from 25 yards to seal a 2-0 victory over the Cottagers.

Fluke? maybe, but Amuary had the taste for scoring stunners. He had to wait a further 15 days for his next start – a friendly with Norwich – where he was at it again. A youthful Arsenal were crushed by a rampant City, but with minutes remaining, a left footed pile driver from the Frenchman brought the curtain down on a dissapointing evening for the Gunners.

Sandwiched in between those games, the quiet Alsatian made his first team debut as a substitute during the 3-0 win over Wigan in the Carling Cup, and only a poor Henri Lansbury pass prevented Bischoff from bagging a debut goal.

No doubt about it, there’s a long way to go before Arsene Wenger can consider Amuary ready enough to fight for trophies, but the signs are promising so far. If he does force his way into the managers plans, the impact November had on his development will no doubt have been crucial.

Article By – J.Sanderson

~ by J.Sanderson on December 1, 2008.