Since the commercial influx started in football in the 90's, footballers have become increasingly big-headed. Egos and salaries have grown in parallel trajectories, and managers now have to deal with global celebrities who might cherish their wages more than the badge on their chest. The superstar status that used to be restricted to a few privileged individuals is now achieved by players with less than exceptional ability. As a consequence, the media now occasionally deal with players who seem to have no concept of the limit of their own mediocrity.

Which brings me on to the lovely Mr. Nicklas Bendtner. Yet again has this bundle of self belief, cockiness and averageness grazed the press with a beyond audacious assessment of his own ability. The Italian-like samurai hair cut he currently sports seem to be the only asset he acquired during his goalless loan spell at Juventus last season, and Arsene Wenger is nowhere nearer to utilizing him up front for Arsenal. The Dane's contributions so far this season have fallen short of recognition from the Gunners' supporters, who have now lost patience and want him out. It's hard to understand why the striker is so hellBendt (sorry) on making life difficult for himself. The 25 year-old is in the process of building himself a legacy less flattering then Ali Dia's.

In a recent interview with Danish newspaper Politikken, Bendtner revealed that he pictured himself moving to Barcelona or Real Madrid this January, as he is looking for an escape rout away from the Emirates. Now, though the article doesn't mention his tone of voice, I'm sure he meant this as a joke. Despite his previous history of ludicrous claims to own exquisiteness, there is no way Bendtner sees a transfer to either of the arguably most prestigious clubs in the world as a natural destination sitting glued to the bench in the dug out in North London. He was asked where he would ideally move, and who can blame for dreaming?

The problem for Bendtner is that this sort of story has become a reoccurring feature. He repeatedly makes himself an easy target, and line himself up in front of the football banter artillery only to become the laughing stock of the moment yet again. Would it not be easier for Bendtner to keep quiet and focus on his game?

His tendency to make the headlines through arrogance is similar to another Scandinavian footballer who has made his trademark by frequenting in the press' jolly columns; Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Zlatan's ability to score goals is, if possible, eclipsed by his razor sharp banter and extra terrestrial confidence. According to himself, Zlatan could have played alongside Bendtner at Arsenal, but he refused a trial at 17 because "Zlatan doesn't do trials." The difference, of course, between the two is that the Swede is currently a contender for the Ballon d'Or while Bendtner would have more use preparing for the Arsenal christmas bash rather than their upcoming fixtures. At least there he will get an appearance.

Bendtner once referred to himself as the best striker in the world - while being Robin Van Persie's understudy. Had Zlatan done the same, we would have chuckled in consent.

But I'm in danger of falling for the temptation of being too harsh on poor Nicklas. Although he has a knack for featuring in the tabloids for all the wrong reasons, he's not really a bad player. He scored twice in Denmark's 2-2 draw with Italy recently, which would have been impossible if he was as bereft of talent as the abuse directed at him currently suggests. At international level he averages almost a goal every second game, so there is no reason the 25-year old can't rally his career at a new club in January.

His biggest challenge is to relieve himself of the pressure that comes with talking the talk, but stumbling and making a fool out of yourself along the walk. Bendtner will only weight his own shoulders more if he keeps publicly rating himself among the best. He must either shut his mouth or lift his game.

Could Bendtner revive his career?

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