Henry ‘should be top of the world’

ARSENE WENGER declared that Thierry Henry can seal his place as the “player of his generation” by finally landing the FIFA world player of the year award in 2005.

The Arsenal striker was runner-up for this year’s award behind Ronaldinho, just as he was pushed into second place by compatriot Zinedine Zidane 12 months earlier. Zidane would seem to have confirmed his place as the best player of recent years, but Wenger is convinced Henry can emulate that feat and match the likes of Pele, Bobby Moore and Michel Platini.

He was therefore stunned to see the Frenchman, who had led Arsenal to the title and an unbeaten run of 49 league games, finish behind Ronaldinho, who lit up La Liga but has yet to win anything with Barcelona.

“I think Thierry should have won the award, although I’m not a great fan of this circus as it’s a bit against the soul and the spirit of the game to reward individual players,” declared Wenger.

“This is a team sport and, as a manager, you are interested in what the team is achieving.

“But if you look at what Thierry has done, he deserved to win it.

“If he wins it next year, though, his overall achievement will make him the player of his generation as he is in there every year.”

Asked why Henry should have finished above Ronaldinho, Wenger replied: “he was in a team that won and was remarkably consistent for 49 games. You cannot say that for many other players.

“In Europe last season, the only one who could compete with that was Deco as he won the Portuguese championship and the Champions League. As for all the rest, I don’t know. A big player is the one who makes his team win. The history of England starts when Bobby Moore and Bobby Charlton come in.

“The history of France starts with Michel Platini and the history of Brazil starts when Pele comes in.”

Andriy Shevchenko finished third in the FIFA poll of international managers and captains, but won the vote of journalists to be awarded the European Ballon d’Or, with Henry back in fourth spot. “Nobody would have argued with Thierry’s performances for Arsenal. I just feel that he has paid for the non-performing period of the French national team,” added Wenger. “For example, Shevchenko didn’t win more, didn’t score more goals and contributed less in assists, but Ukraine didn’t go to the Euro 2004 finals so he couldn’t fail there.”

Henry has already scored 19 goals this season for Arsenal, who will look to keep up pressure on Chelsea when they take on Fulham at Highbury. And although Wenger admitted his concern at the prospect of four first-team squad members being out of contract at the end of this season, talks will be delayed until after the festive campaign.

While he is confident over Sol Campbell agreeing a new deal, theArsenal boss does not yet know if Lauren, Edu and Jermaine Pennant will sign up.

“Of course, we are concerned. That’s why we want to keep them here,” he said.

“Sol will stay. We are at a very advanced stage and in a very positive situation. As for Edu, it depends.

“At the moment, he will not sign for us. The situation is in his hands so he will decide what he wants to do.

“But while it’s an intense period on the pitch, it’s a flat period off the pitch. Agents are away over Christmas and some directors too, so it’s difficult.

“These situations will be sorted out in January, not in this period.”

Ashley Cole nevertheless looks likely to be given a significant pay rise with a contract extension after making his mark at international level.

“I’m also very positive that he will extend his contract,” revealed Wenger.

“He has been here since he was 12, has been educated here and has grown as a player here. He’s had the same development as the club so it seems natural that he will stay.”