Filed under: Arsenal, Premier League, Football
It's already been established Nicklas Bendtner was near the front of the queue when the self-confidence gene was handed out.The Arsenal forward has surpassed himself, however, by suggesting he would like to play for Barcelona after growing frustrated at the lack of openings at the Emirates Stadium.
Maybe that's harsh. After all, who, outside of those with deep-seated Real Madrid connections, wouldn't want to play for Pep Guardiola's side if asked?
The difference is most players keep their wild dreams to themselves in case they sound just a tiny bit over-ambitious. Best to start by hitting the more immediate targets before setting out a grand vision.
And by his own admission, Bendtner has fallen short in his immediate aim of establishing himself as an Arsenal regular this season. Not only that, the Dane is unhappy at being used on the right wing when opportunities have come his way, prompting him to seek talks with manager Arsene Wenger at the end of the season.
"I need to have a talk with him (Wenger) because I'm not satisfied with playing on the right wing, which I've done more or less all season long," Bendtner told the Daly Mail.
"I'm concentrating on getting our Champions League place and then we'll do the evaluation at the end of the season.
"It's certainly not the best thing for me but it's not up to oneself and sometimes you have to adapt to what the manager says."
It's hard to see how Wenger can keep Bendtner happy. The player has so far failed to smooth off the rough edges of youth and there were few people suggesting the Dane should feature more prominently during Arsenal's failed title bid this season.
Injuries haven't helped Bendtner's cause but when it comes to selecting a striker to lead the line, Wenger has turned to Robin van Persie and Marouane Chamakh ahead of the 23-year-old.
If Bendtner were happy to fulfil the role of squad player, he would be an asset to most clubs, but if he wants to cement a first team spot - as any player worth his salt should - his natural home is outside the top four.
Not that that prevents the forward from dreaming. "If it's a free choice, I choose Barcelona. I've never had any idols in the football world but if I had a dream player to play with then it would be Xavi and Iniesta," he said.
Bendtner will have to join another queue for that. And this time he won't be quite so close to the front.
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