Character checks on players before they sign for Arsenal?

Before recruiting a player for Arsenal, it is crucial to conduct character checks to ensure that the player has a suitable personality and behavior. This check runs parallel to the technical ability screening.

The following 5 steps can help you perform effective character checks:

1. Research the Player

To conduct effective character checks on a potential player, you should start by researching their background.

This involves gathering information about their performance history, behavior both on and off the pitch, and any past disciplinary actions or controversies they may have been involved in.

We can do checks on their family background and if the player is old enough, you may also want to check their credit history.

For example, while a player like Ivan Toney may possess superb aerial abilities that your club is lacking, it is important to also take into account any potential red flags, such as the FA charges he has accumulated for illegal betting.

2. Contact Previous Coaches and Teammates

When conducting character checks on a potential player, it is essential to contact their former coaches and teammates.

This approach can yield valuable information on the player’s work ethic, character, and ability to work well within a team.

An example would be for Vinicius Bergantin, the Ituano coach who gave Gabriel Martinelli his first chance in the Brazil.

According to Bergantin, one day after beating Sao Paulo, Martinelli approached him and asked to return to Itu.

Despite having the day off to celebrate the win with his family or friends, Martinelli wanted to go back to finish his homework and attend school on Monday.

Martinelli told the coach, ‘My father is outside in his car to take me back’.

This responsible attitude impressed Bergantin and highlighted Martinelli’s dedication to his education.

Also, it helps to know that the whole family is behind the player when he is doing the right thing.

3. Observe the Player’s Behavior

To gain insight into a player’s character, attend matches or training sessions and observe their behavior on and off the pitch.

Look for signs of good sportsmanship, teamwork, and a positive attitude.

It is important to bring in players who respect authority, as it helps in their development and prevents upset in the dressing room.

Observing how a player interacts with teammates, coaches, and even non-players such as the cleaning staff can provide valuable information about their character.

Pay attention to whether they show defiance or disrespect when substituted, celebrate goals while also showing appreciation to their peers, or any excessive vulgar language used on the pitch.

All of these behaviors can provide insight into the player’s character and how they may behave in the future.

Conducting this screening process effectively can not only help identify a skilled footballer but also a potential leader for the club.

4. Interview the Player

During the scouting and recruitment process, it’s important to conduct an interview with the player to gain a better understanding of their motivations, goals, and attitude towards football.

It could be a face to face interview. Or even a Zoom meeting if there are geographical constraints.

By doing so, one can evaluate the player’s level of maturity and their potential response to coaching.

This step can provide valuable information to assess the player’s character and determine if they are a suitable fit for the club.

The player’s personality could fall anywhere between the reserved types like Messi or Kante, or the more egocentric types like Cristiano.

Both extremes are acceptable.

Ultimately, the interviewer, who is usually the coach or sporting director, will have to make a judgment call based on their assessment of the player.

5. Screening Social Media Profiles

Examining the player’s social media accounts can provide insight into their personality and character.

This can help uncover any concerning behavior.

It is best to avoid players who present themselves too extravagantly, such as the Pogbas, Lingards and the Aubas, as this may indicate a lack of maturity that could affect their performance.

We all know how the careers ended for those players and what it costed their clubs.

The ultimate goal is to bring in players who can stay focused on their football and mature both on and off the pitch.

GunnerBanana’s POV

The dressing room is a crucial part of a football club, and we can assume that Arteta has established the right culture with the appropriate attitudes.

It’s vital to recruit wisely to avoid undoing all the positive work that has been accomplished thus far.

We should not sign a player solely for short-term commercial gain, like Manchester United’s re-signing of Cristiano, which ultimately resulted in a bitter split after only 16 months.

On top of that, we should not overspend based solely on a player’s technical abilities.

Unless they are PRIME Henrys, Ronaldinhos, Zidanes, or Messis.

COYG! (80mil on Rice is a lot spent on Rice. Even from an Asian POV. Lol.)