Hodgson will be keenly monitoring Jenkinson’s development. Glen Johnson has retained his place as England’s right-sided defender under the present regime, and indeed produced some of his finest displays for the national team under Hodgson. The erratic nature of the Liverpool player, however, results in his position being one of the more vulnerable in England’s first-choice eleven.
Kyle Walker is the obvious man to step in should Hodgson opt for change, but the Spurs player has much work to do on his defensive responsibilities. Phil Jones and Chris Smalling are stronger when deployed elsewhere. Jenkinson therefore, has a genuine opportunity to establish himself as a man who could represent his country at next year’s World Cup.
That last statement is admittedly a leap of faith. Nevertheless, set against the background of a young tyro who nine months on from playing at Eastbourne’s Langney Sports Club against Newport County was contesting a Champions League qualifier against Udinese, and a further year after being sent-off in Arsenal’s humiliating 8-2 hammering at Manchester United was featuring in a defence keeping three consecutive Premier League clean-sheets, it isn’t too great a stretch of the imagination.
When he was first thrust into the limelight Jenkinson’s defending was raw at best, and against Premier League opposition he appeared out of his depth. To the player’s credit were his unyielding willingness, his refusal to hide, and an ability to join his team’s attack and supply reliable service from wide.
One of the many criticisms levelled at Wenger in light of Arsenal’s more recent disappointments is the absence of any firm evidence that individuals such as Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Aaron Ramsey are advancing at the rate expected under the tutelage of their studious manager. The signing of those players to new Gunners’ deals, in tandem with Kieran Gibbs and Jack Wilshere, was trumpeted to a greater degree than their young cohort’s engagement. The rapidly maturing Jenkinson could yet have an Emirates career to rival any of his British counterparts.
The giant steps taken in Jenkinson’s defensive work were showcased fully in Munich. More than once we witnessed his speed across the ground – utilised to keep stride with the electric Arjen Robben – and he exhibited fantastic awareness to charge across and disconcert the Dutchman when the Bayern winger was set for a clear strike on Arsenal’s goal.
Jenkinson’s forward surges have taken on a definite guile. He no longer runs in straight lines, nor sends his crosses flying across the opposition’s area without first raising his head. Furthermore, experience is assisting in Jenkinson’s decision making regarding the correct time to maraud over the halfway line.
When Wenger withdrew his right-back with half-an-hour remaining at Tottenham Hotspur recently in an – eventually fruitless – search for an equaliser and shifted Ramsey to operate as an auxiliary defender, the Gunners lost any attacking fluency on that side of the pitch.
Arsenal and England can presently lay claim to a rounded defender who is showing more game intelligence with every outing, and is capable of restricting the toughest of opponents while providing a prominent threat of his own.
One other Gunner who made a grand statement by his deeds in Munich was Laurent Koscielny. The French centre-back was exemplary in his reading of play, and his speed of thought and action. What’s more, the 27 year-old demonstrated leadership and organisational qualities this Arsenal rear-guard has been so painfully lacking.
Koscielny’s selection came at the expense of Thomas Vermaelen. The Belgian has been afflicted by a notable drop in form this season, perhaps encumbered by captaincy duties – Koscielny’s fellow 27 year-old took the armband from the departed Robin Van Persie ahead of this term – and his regular shifting between the left and middle of defence.
When Vermaelen evinces signs of a return to his imperious best – which he surely will – Wenger’s selection dilemma at the heart of his backline should focus on a choice between the former Ajax defender and the giant German, Per Metersacker. Koscielny has earned the chance to become a core figure in what Gunners’ fans hope will be a bright new era.
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