I think Chamakh is an important part of the team! He isn't going to take on players and isn't great running with the ball but he is (a) a threat in the air (b) someone who can hold up the ball (c) a hard worker. His effort to get onto everything wins the teams penalties even. And that different dimension has been very important for Arsenal in some game this season. I don't think he will necessarily be dropped if everyone was fit. Maybe that was the plan. But after his performances at the start of the season I think he's forced his way into the reckoning to continue holding down a starting spot. Cause there's no other striker on Arsenal's team that is doing what Chamakh does.
And I think Wenger is recognizing that. which is why we're seeing van Persie come on and play a deeper role, rather than replace Chamakh, in recent games. I feel like Wenger doesn't want to drop him and is now looking for a way to use both at the same time.
I disagree with the opinion that Chamakh is not that good because he doesn't have all the tools of a Drogba or Torres, cause sometimes being very good at your role is all that matters. In the same way there are different types of midfielders, there are different types of forwards. Saying he not that good cause he not as versatile, come like saying Makalele isn't all that good cause he doesn't have all the tools of a Xavi. The importance to me is his impact in the team. And from what I seeing he has a big one.
