I am using the name to see if Claudio Yacob, the Racing Club player linked to Arsenal is anywhere near ready to climb that ladder.
He is 24 years old, and has done his whole formation and professional career so far at Racing Club, one of the big 4 teams of Argentina.
He plays as a defensive midfielder, and as captain of the team, he is a symbol, an icon to the fans.
So far so good, in our imaginary ladder he started moving up the rings towards Arsenal’s quality.
He has a never die attitude which means he runs and runs, fighting trying to recover balls for the whole 90 minutes.
He is good in the air, presenting a threat in attacking dead ball situations, but also bringing some air of security when defending from them.
One more ring upwards.
He was part of the 2007 U20 Argentinean national team that won the World Cup at that level in Canada. Other players on that title winning squad were Sergio Aguero, Mauro Zarate, Sergio Romero, Angel Di Maria, Ever Banega, Emiliano Insua and Pablo Piatti amongst others.
Since that tournament, where he promised to become a class act and knock at the doors of the senior NT, he has only been called twice to represent his country.
Over the past few years every time a transfer window opened, Yacob was “certain” to move on and fulfil his potential.
Atalanta, had a look, and decided against it first. Porto, a team with tradition for signing Argentinean talent, was next, but did not make an offer. Udinese made a €6m offer, but then withdrew it as they had changed their mind. Napoli had a look, nothing happened.
But, at that time, a fee was required, and that is what put the teams off.
To me that sent a clear message. Teams that are known for doing business and recruiting young South American players thought he was not worth a fee.
The fact that he would be available for free, and Racing’s financial situation will be improved by his wages been removed from the accounts sheet, could make him a more interesting prospect this summer.
And I think that that is as far as Arsenal have gone now. To asses, to look and to study him.
As he becomes a free agent, some of those clubs who thought about him before, may come back into the frame of things, and also some other new ones (Benfica, Valencia) may weight in.
Claudio Yacob is a good player, just that. He may or may not develop into a better, bigger star, somewhere else, but many clubs thought he wouldn’t.
When you get a player, you need to also look at the future, and think what happens if you need to sell him on.
As free agent, the risk is low, but to sell him on (if needed) will be difficult as proven by the last few transfer windows.
Good in the Air- one ring up.
Tireless- one ring up
Powerful shot- one ring up
Better than what AFC already has?- two rings down
Reselling value- 2 rings down
Verdict, in my opinion not worth it.