Nigel Winterburn believes Arsenal’s club record signing Alexandre Lacazette is more like Ian Wright rather than Thierry Henry, as many previously suggested.
Arsenal finally signing a proven goalscorer who began his career in the French league evoked parallels to the acquisition of record goalscorer Thierry Henry.
Of course, there are quite a few differences between the two, not least that they were signed at very different stages of their careers – Henry was 21 while Lacazette is 26. Winterburn thinks there are more differences than just that, however.
He told Sky Sports via Express: “He’s more Wright than (Thierry) Henry. Thierry wasn’t your classic centre-forward. Henry drifted into wide areas, picked the ball up, unbelievable pace and great close control. He scored from outside the box while Wrighty would produce something in and around the box.
“You’d never know what he was going to do and Lacazette looks similar. And if he can produce the goals that Ian Wright produced, then I think the Arsenal fans will be very, very happy.” In my opinion, there are far more similarities between Lacazette and Wright than the Frenchman and Thierry Henry.
Like Lacazette, Wrighty joined Arsenal later on in his career (aged 27). Both are the same height, and as Winterburn points out, both have more similar playing styles. Wright went on to become Arsenal’s record goalscorer before Henry took that honour away from him, so I’d agree that the fans will be very happy if the former Lyon man can produce the same kind of scoring record.
Lacazette has certainly started well, with four goals in six games, but that should be no great surprise after the striker managed 28 in 30 for Lyon in Ligue 1 last season. It can take time to adapt to a new league, especially one as physically demanding as the English top-flight, but so far the Lyon man hasn’t had many problems.