It is strange to think that it took less
than a year between being deemed “not at the level” to play for West Bromwich Albion by Tony
Pulis, and becoming the first player in 40 years to score a
hat-trick for the German International team on their début. A year later, Bayern
Munich would activate a clause in his contract with Werder Bremen in
order to sign the winger on a three-year deal for €8
million.
Following this, a
year long loan spell spell with 1899 Hoffenheim in order to gain more
experience would see the Stuttgart born man return to Die Bayern, where
he wasted little time in catching the world’s attention. Following his recent
performances for both Bayern Munich and the German international team,
it is no surprise to see many football
betting experts tip Gnabry to lead the
line and be on the score-sheet on a regular basis.
So the question is,
how did Gnabry move so effortlessly from a nightmare loan spell in the West
Midlands of England to being one of the most talked about players in world
football?
Where Did Gnabry Start His Career?
Under Arsène Wenger, Arsenal
Football Club developed a reputation for scouring the world for the
brightest young talents on offer. At the age of 15, Arsenal agreed to
sign Gnabry from VfB Stuttgart in 2010 for a mere £100,000. After turning out some impressive
displays for the under-18s, the former VfB Stuttgart man was soon
promoted to the reserve team, before making his first-team début in 2012.
Why Did Gnabry Leave Arsenal?
It was the 2013/14 season in which Gnabry began to demonstrate his true
ability, making 15 appearances and scoring 1 goal. It proved to be a serious
knee injury that resulted in Gnabry missing the majority of the 2014/15 season,
which ultimately halted his progress before leading to a disastrous loan spell at West Bromwich Albion.
Firstly, without the
injury, Gnabry would have likely continued his development with Arsenal.
Secondly, sending Gnabry to play, under the pragmatic guise of Tony Pulis, at
West Brom did nothing to help his confidence when attempting to regain full
fitness. Arsenal recalled the German just 6 months into a 12 month loan deal
after a lack of playing time, but it seemed Gnabry had made up his mind and
soon returned to his homeland.
The Turning Point
He signed for Werder
Bremen for a reported £5 million, in a deal that
was reportedly funded by Bayern Munich with the plan being to sign him
the following season. It was in Germany, and at Munich, where the former
Gunners player has quickly transitioned from a one with potential to a world
class midfielder. The 2019/20 season has truly secured Gnabry as one of the
best players in the game, scoring nine goals in nine matches in a triumphant
Champions League campaign, which included four goals in a 7-2 away win against
his former North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.