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Wenger: Adebayor must keep working to fulfil potential

07/05/2008

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says striker Emanuel Adebayor must continue to work hard or risk becoming "a nobody".

Wenger is pleased with the way Adebayor has gone some of the way to filling the boots of former striker Thierry Henry – following his departure to Barcelona last summer.

However, Wenger strongly believes Adebayor has yet to reach his full potential and has urged the 24-year-old to keep trying to improve his game.

The Frenchman said: "Emmanuel took his tally to 30 for the season with a hat-trick at Derby, but there is some room for him to improve - and that makes me very positive."

Wenger says because the Gunners have such an attacking style Adebayor will not be short of chances but he wants to see him convert more of the scoring opportunities which come his way.

"I believe he has to keep a good working attitude," said Wenger.

"We have seen players before, when they start getting the recognition, they ease off in their team work, and very quickly they die.

"I believe if Adebayor keeps his work ethic, there is still 20 per cent more to come from him. Does he want it enough - to get this extra 20 per cent out? Well that is where his future lies. If you lose that desire, you quickly become a nobody."

Adebayor is the only Gunners player to reach a double-figure goal tally this season. His total of 24 league goals is more than three times better than second-top scorer Cesc Fabregas who has seven.