Mika Biereth: From Arsenal Academy to Monaco’s Star Striker
Mika Biereth, a 22-year-old striker who once shone in Arsenal’s academy, has been making waves at AS Monaco. After a brief stint with Sturm Graz in Austria, where he excelled, Biereth made a high-profile move to the French giants in a deal worth up to £12.5 million last month. What followed has been nothing short of a fairy tale. The Swedish forward has scored hat-tricks in back-to-back home games, most recently a brilliant treble against Nantes, which contributed to a resounding 7-1 victory at Stade Louis II. His performance has not only solidified his status as a rising star but has also left many Arsenal fans questioning the decision to let him go for just £4 million last summer.
A Prodigious Talent at Arsenal
Biereth’s journey from Arsenal’s academy to Monaco’s first team is a tale of missed opportunities and untapped potential. Despite his obvious talent, Biereth never made a first-team appearance for the Gunners. His only taste of the Premier League came in January 2022, when he was named on the bench for a 0-0 draw against Burnley. During his time at Arsenal, Biereth went on loan spells to RKC Waalwijk, Motherwell, and Sturm Graz, where he continued to hone his skills and prove his worth. His performances in Austria caught the eye of Monaco, leading to the lucrative transfer that has seen him flourish in France.
A New Chapter in France
Since joining Monaco, Biereth has been nothing short of sensational. His first goal for the club came in a 3-2 win over Rennes on January 25, and he followed that with a hat-trick in a 4-2 victory over Auxerre. His latest treble against Nantes marks his seventh goal in just five league games, a testament to his remarkable goalscoring form. Biereth’s success has been a bittersweet pill for Arsenal fans, many of whom believe the club could have given him a chance to shine in the first team. His performances have also earned him praise from Monaco, who even playfully acknowledged his Arsenal roots in a post on X, calling him an "absolute Gunner."
Comparisons and Regrets
Biereth’s meteoric rise has sparked comparisons and regrets among Arsenal supporters. The club is currently facing an injury crisis in the forward line, with key players like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Martinelli sidelined. In their absence, Mikel Arteta had to turn to midfielder Mikel Merino as a makeshift centre forward, who managed to score twice in a 2-0 win over Leicester. The contrast in form between Biereth and the makeshift solutions at Arsenal has left many fans frustrated and nostalgic. One supporter fumed, "2021… Edu Gaspar I will never forgive you for selling Mika Biereth… he should have been Arsenal’s main striker." Another added, "We could have given Mika Biereth a chance."
Team Dynamics and Future Prospects
At Monaco, Biereth is now teaming up with fellow former Arsenal academy graduate Folarin Balogun, who has also been sidelined with a shoulder injury. The camaraderie and shared history between the two could prove to be a valuable asset for Monaco. Biereth’s form has not only boosted the team’s morale but has also placed him in the spotlight as a potential future star. His height, at 6 feet 2 inches, gives him a physical presence that complements his technical skills, making him a formidable opponent in the box. As he continues to impress, the spotlight will undoubtedly turn to his long-term future and whether he can maintain this level of performance.
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead
Mika Biereth’s journey from Arsenal’s academy to Monaco’s star striker is a compelling story of talent, perseverance, and missed opportunities. While his success at Monaco has left many Arsenal fans with regrets, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football. Biereth’s performance is a testament to his skills and the right environment that can nurture his potential. As he continues to shine, the football world watches with bated breath, eager to see where his talents will take him next.
