Robinho - Is He Rubbish?

I watched Brazil vs Chile the other day. I watched Brazil trounce them 4-0. I watched Kaka glide past players and look like he was just floating through the game doing anything that he liked. I saw Ronaldinho score 2 goals and throw in his usual blend of trickery. I saw Gilberto Silva quietly mop up everything and nonchalantly offer up the ball to the playmakers. I saw Fred work hard up front, trying to help the team with scant reward.

I also saw Robinho play an entirely useless second half, time and time again Brazil were in great attacking positions, but lost all their impetus when the ball came to Robinho. Either it was taking too much time, or trying his usual obsession of pedalas, or just sloppiness. When Brazil were counter-attacking in the second-half they seemed like they might score 5 or 6 goals, but Robinho's inadequacy put paid to that. At a time when a lot of people are wondering about Robinho coming to Arsenal, his performances for club and country are closely resembling those of Jose Reyes - full of talent, but eventually incapable of really doing much besides trying a trick, falling down, and losing the ball.

So the question must be asked - is Robinho good enough? At Santos, he was mesmerising, a truly unique talent in the world. But since leaving he's done nothing. In Spain defenders have taken care of him quite easily, for Brazil he's never really looked certain about what he's doing. His present situation doesn't help - Capello has destroyed his confidence, and he's only had a few patches in which to shine.

If it is confidence, it should only matter to a small extent. The true greats - it doesn't matter what team they're playing in, and in what conditions - they adapt, and they eventually excel. Robinho was always thought to be destined for greatness, but a lot of people are probably having a bit of a re-think now.

Arsene Wenger is probably the perfect manager for him - he works with players to concentrate on their strengths, to fit into styles of play, and to achieve their potential. Robinho needs him right now... but do Arsenal need Robinho?