On-loan Campbell shines in Spain

Joel Campbell showed what Arsenal is missing this season with a sweetly-struck shot that gave Real Betis a 3-2 win over Deportivo La Coruna in La Liga on Sunday.

The on-loan 20-year-old curled a 25-yard effort into the top corner to put Betis clear in fourth place and demonstrate the undoubted talent of the winger who is still raw around the edges.

Campbell moved from Saprissa in his native Costa Rica to Arsenal in 2011, but was first loaned out to French side FC Lorient before joining Betis last summer.

Although blessed with pace and plenty of natural ability, his performances have been erratic, but he made the most of his chance against Deportivo with Juan Carlos injured in left midfield.

Deportivo had responded with a brace from Ivan Sanchez-Rico after a Ruben Castro double had put the Andalusians ahead, but Campbell picked up a pass from Benat Etxebarria and fired home the winner.

AFP

(China Daily 12/04/2012 page22)