Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has told the Gunners official website why he let Isaac Hayden leave north London.
The centre back recently moved to St James Park and in the process, rejected Hull City’s overtures. It was surprising given the Tigers return to the top flight.
Wenger was positive in his assessment of Hayden:
“At 21 years of age, you need to play or you stand still – and if you stand still you waste your career. He’s very intelligent and very good physically as well, he has good strength.”
The Frenchman went on praise his performance in a League Cup tie at West Bromwich Albion, as well as his loan spell with Hull City last season. Wenger for all his faults, is a good judge of young players and his endorsement whilst no guarantee of how Hayden will perform, is certainly encouraging.
So far, reports suggest the centre back has played well in the Bohemians and Doncaster friendlies. With Grant Hanley arriving, it will be interesting to see who is given the nod in the centre of the defence in this weekend’s match against Lokeren.
