Rapid Wien striker Dion Beljo could be playing for Arsenal, if he started exploiting his talent and showing love for the game.
That’s according to Sky analyst Alfred Tatar, who has hit out at the player and the Rapid Wien squad in comments today.
Sky explain that after a strong start to the season the Hütteldorfers’ form has ‘plummeted’ in recent weeks, with them currently sitting ninth in the form table, level on points with relegation candidates such as GAK and WSG Tirol.
That has, naturally, led to criticism of the club and the players, with them undoubtedly expected to be doing more and performing better.
Tatar in particular believes the players need to be singled out and picked Beljo out for criticism, insisting he could be playing for Arsenal if he stepped things up.
“The players have a responsibility to perform,” he said.
“They’re allowed to play for one of the biggest clubs in Austria, so they have to give their all. Unfortunately, the players don’t think that way. The players’ professionalism is lacking.
“There are some examples at Rapid where I don’t see any improvement. They play for one of the biggest clubs in Austria, yet they remain at the same level they were hired for, or even lower.
“Dion Beljo has potential that he’s simply not exploiting. His development simply isn’t progressing, even though he has the potential to be much stronger. I constantly get the impression that he’s dissatisfied with himself and his teammates. If he had more joy in playing, he’d already be at Arsenal.”
Now, we would of course point out that while Arsenal may be desperate for a striker even a striker with nine goals and one assist in 21 league games in Austria might be pushing it.
Indeed, the Gunners didn’t even have a place for Mika Biereth after he impressed in the country last year, although they’re probably regretting that now given how he’s shining in France.
But we take Tatar’s comment how it was intended and will keep Beljo on a list of names to keep an eye on, particularly if he starts living up to that potential.
