Why Piero Hincapie could have bigger Arsenal role without Saliba
Piero Hincapie’s goal against Real Betis was one of few positives for Arsenal in Dublin.
The Ecuador defender headed in Christos Tzolis’ corner during Wednesday’s 3-1 defeat and completed another useful pre-season outing alongside Cristhian Mosquera.
His importance may extend well beyond friendlies.
William Saliba is expected to miss the beginning of the season with a back problem, leaving Mikel Arteta needing to settle on a defensive partnership before competitive football begins.
Hincapie was not an automatic starter during his first season in north London.
He nevertheless gained considerable Premier League experience, and his versatility has always been part of the attraction. His Premier League player profile details his involvement during his first campaign with Arsenal.
Hincapie can operate at centre-back or on the left, but Saliba’s absence creates a more obvious route into the middle.
Gabriel Magalhaes has returned to training, while Cristhian Mosquera and Ben White provide further alternatives.
ReadArsenal has already examined why Arsenal still want another defender despite Gabriel’s return, with Saliba’s fitness central to that decision.
Whatever happens in the transfer market, Arteta still needs an internal solution for the opening weeks.
Hincapie has the experience to provide one.
Arsenal’s defending against Betis was poor collectively.
They conceded three times before half-time and were repeatedly vulnerable when possession was lost. Hincapie was part of that back line, so his goal should not obscure the problems Arteta will want corrected before Borussia Dortmund visit the Emirates.
But the 24-year-old also offers qualities that can be useful without Saliba.
He is comfortable defending higher up the pitch, can cover space towards the left and has enough experience on the ball to help Arsenal build from the back.
His ability to play two positions also allows Arteta to change shape without making an immediate substitution.
That flexibility mattered last season and could matter more now.
ReadArsenal’s predicted XI against Borussia Dortmund has Gabriel returning to the side, which would allow Arteta to begin testing the partnerships available without Saliba.
Hincapie does not need to become a direct copy of the France international.
Arsenal need him to provide stability while one of their most important defenders is unavailable.
The Betis result showed there is work to do. It also showed Hincapie has an immediate opportunity to make himself difficult to leave out.
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