Morning guys.
Is Arsenal equipped enough for another league title challenge?
GK – Raya, Kepa and Meslier
RB – White and Timber.
CB – Saliba, Konsa, Gabriel, Mosquera and Salmon.
LB – Hincapie and Calafiori
CDM – Rice, Zubimendi, Lewis-Skelly and Guimaraes
AM – Odegaard, Eze and Nwaneri
RW – Saka, Madueke and Dowman
LW – Tzolis (Martinelli if he stays)
CF – Gyokeres and Havertz.
Firstly, Marli Salmon has signed his first professional contract with the club as he turns 17 years old today. What a birthday present for the young man who is one of the brightest defensive talents we have seen come through the academy in a long while. He certainly plays like someone beyond his years.
One thing stands out from the above squad and that’s its versatility. Merino seems to be able to play anywhere he’s asked, both Salmon, Konsa, Mosquera, Saliba and White can play anywhere on the right hand side of defence and Timber can play anywhere across the back line. Both Hincapie and Calafiori can play on the left either centrally or as full back. I think Calafiori could play on the wing too if he was asked. Gabriel is our main left sided central defender. Basically, we have plenty of excellent options in defence, a defence which will only be stronger with the return of Saliba and Timber.
Midfield is well stocked too, certainly defensively with Rice, Lewis-Skelly, Guimaraes Zubimendi and Merino although there is a lot more to their game than just defending. Attacking midfield is well stocked too with Odegaard the main man and behind sit Eze, and Nwaneri, for the latter two, I feel this is a big season for both. Saka, Dowman, Merino and Havertz are options should injuries hit us hard.
On the wings, well I think this is where we could do with an addition if Martinelli goes. I’m not a fan of Eze on the left because he’s not a player who will track back. We have a similar problem on the right when Madueke plays as he seldom looks keen to dig in when our right back needs support. The worst case scenario would be having both Madueke and Eze on the wings at the same time although I suspect that’s already happened but cannot be bothered to check.
Up front, it looks like Havertz might be Arteta’s favourite option at the moment but what a great alternative we have in Gyokeres. Personally, I prefer Viktor. He reminds me a bit of Lacazette in the way he works so hard for the team but gets knocked for not scoring enough goals. Rumour has it he might be off but I hope not. Then there’s Merino, Mr Versatility.
Forgive me if I’ve missed anyone off which is highly likely. lol
So if the transfer window shut right now, do you think we have a good enough squad to get through the next nine months and potentially retain our Premier League crown?
Catch up in the comments.