Henry set for more success, says Wenger
Thierry Henry's brush with adversity in the early stages of his career has helped develop into one of the most complete strikers in the world, according to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.
Henry, the France World Cup winner, was used as a winger at previous club Juventus and suffered as a result, but since joining Arsenal in 1999, the 25-year-old has blossomed and Wenger believes it is just the start.
"At the start of your career it all looks easy but for a player to develop he has to go through a low," Wenger told reporters at the English double winners' training ground on Friday.
"I really believe that is important -- those who survive become great players but there are those who never recover. Thierry has got through a low.
"He was the top goalscorer in the premier league last season, but what I like about him is that he has something more. He provides goals as well as scores them.
"In fact, it is difficult to compare him to anyone else in the history of the game, because he is so different."
Henry, who began his career working for Wenger at Monaco, was a member of the France squad which won the World Cup in 1998 and European championship in 2000.
After ending his Juventus misery, he finally realised his potential last season, scoring 32 goals in all competitions as Arsenal won the English premier league and FA Cup.
Yet Wenger is convinced there is more to come from Henry.
"He has won the World Cup, the European championship, the English league and Cup -- he could have done worse so far," said Wenger with a smile.
"But he will get much better because he wants to. He is intelligent and ambitious -- those qualities combined are important for improving in life.
"He is only 25 -- between 25 and 30 years of age is the golden period for footballers, so Thierry will become even greater."
In contrast to Henry, Wenger believes Sylvain Wiltord's good form this term has been a result of his switch from a central role to a wide, attacking midfield position.
"Sylvain was frustrated last year because he felt he was a central striker, but he has adapted well to a new position," said Wenger. "He has accepted he can play elsewhere and that's made him a better player."
Henry suffered a hamstring strain during Arsenal's 1-0 win over Auxerre in the Champions League in midweek, but Wenger is confident he will recover in time to face Sunderland in the premier league at Highbury on Sunday.
"He will have a scan today (Friday) to make sure there is no muscle damage, and if it is clear I think he will play," said Wenger.
"Of course we miss his power and penetration when he is not there but we have enough quality to compensate if he is not."
Wenger said he would not want to risk Henry against Sunderland if it would make his injury worse.
Dutch striker Dennis Bergkamp and midfielder Ray Parlour will definitely miss the Sunderland visit through injury, but Fredrik Ljungberg is available again.
