Emmanuel Eboue, a former Arsenal defender, recalls the emotional journey of the club’s last appearance on the biggest stage in European football. Despite the heartbreak of that campaign, he holds cherished memories of the team’s historic run to the Champions League final.
Arsenal’s 2006 campaign was nothing short of remarkable. The Gunners clawed their way to their first Champions League final in two decades, fueled by the brilliance of Thierry Henry and a young Cesc Fabregas. Their journey was inspired by the peak of Henry’s career and the emergence of a 19-year-old Fabregas. At the time, Eboue was tasked with defending against one of the greatest players of all time, Ronaldinho.
In that Paris final, Eboue managed to keep the Brazilian superstar quiet, showcasing his determination and skill. However, the introduction of Henrik Larsson off the bench proved pivotal, ultimately leading to Arsenal’s defeat. Now, as the club faces another high-stakes encounter in Budapest, they are up against a formidable attack led by players like Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
The build-up to this match has been relatively smooth for Arsenal, with Mikel Arteta able to rest key players following the conclusion of the Premier League season. However, the team is now faced with a dilemma at right-back. Jurrien Timber, who has been sidelined since March due to a groin injury, is a potential candidate for selection. While there is hope he can return, his absence for over two months presents challenges.
Eboue believes that while Timber would love to play in the Champions League final, his long absence might make it difficult for him to immediately contribute. He suggests that Arteta might be better off keeping Timber on the bench for the time being, given the strength and speed of PSG’s attack.
Cristhian Mosquera could be tasked with a challenging role if he is selected to face Kvaratskhelia. Although Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi have been tested in the right-back position, Mosquera has shown promise when moving out from his usual center-half role. Eboue believes that Mosquera is the best option for Arteta, citing his defensive strength and ability to handle tough opponents.
However, Eboue also notes that Mosquera may not possess the same technical ability as Timber. He emphasizes the importance of having a strong defensive presence on the field, especially against a team like PSG.
Arteta also faces a critical decision in midfield. Martin Zubimendi, who started all 34 Premier League games, was recently dropped from the lineup, with Myles Lewis-Skelly stepping in. While Lewis-Skelly has shown promise, Eboue believes that the experienced trio of Rice, Zubimendi, and Odegaard would be better suited for the high-stakes game against PSG’s formidable midfield.
Eboue argues that the experience and chemistry of the established midfielders would be crucial in facing a talented PSG side. He suggests that Lewis-Skelly should remain on the bench for now, allowing him to gain more confidence before potentially making an impact in future matches.
Reflecting on his own time at Arsenal, Eboue recalls the memorable moment when he faced Ronaldinho in the 2006 final. He remembers telling the Brazilian star, “Do you know where I come from? I’m from Africa. I’m not scared of you.” This bold statement reportedly had an effect on Ronaldinho, who later expressed fear of Eboue to Samuel Eto’o.
Eboue’s performance in that match was celebrated by fans and people in his home country, highlighting the significance of his contribution to the team’s success. His experience and insights into the game provide valuable perspectives for the current Arsenal squad as they prepare for their next challenge.
