Arsenal unrecognisable from Emery days as Arteta moulds title contenders… but is boss worlds off dream 22-man squad? | 6WGBYG2 | 2024-04-04 09:08:01
Arsenal unrecognisable from Emery days as Arteta moulds title contenders… but is boss worlds off dream 22-man squad? | 6WGBYG2 | 2024-04-04 09:08:01
This Gunners squad is unrecognisable from the one Arteta took over from Unai Emery in December 2019, with a number of massive names b
MIKEL ARTETA might have guided Arsenal to yet one more Premier League title cost, however the Spaniard insists there stays plenty of work to be achieved.
This Gunners squad is unrecognisable from the one Arteta took over from Unai Emery in December 2019, with a number of massive names bought, axed or released and young blood and recent faces brought in.
With the arrivals of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, David Raya and Jurrien Timber last summer time for around £215million, Arteta took one other step in the direction of having his good squad to compete for silverware on a consistent basis.
Nevertheless, in a perfect world, Arteta revealed this week that he wants a squad of 22 elite players he can constantly rotate throughout a marketing campaign, which he believes would get one of the best out of his group with their very own positions all the time underneath menace.
He stated: "I might love that – to have 22 as an alternative of 18, the place we modify and one is best than the opposite.
"The week after, the opposite is best than the opposite one.
"That raises the level and for positive you'd win extra games."
Arteta cited his previous mentor Pep Guardiola as being able to do just that with Manchester City over the past few seasons, culminating in final term's historic Treble.
So, how shut are Arsenal to having a squad with two high-quality players in every position? How many more gamers do they need to make this a actuality?
SunSport's Jordan Davies has taken a glance…
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GOALKEEPER
First selection: David Raya
Second selection: Aaron Ramsdale
There were various murmurings of concern when Arteta brought in Raya from Brentford on mortgage with an choice to purchase, with a view to having two competing No1s.
While Ramsdale's stock has fallen, along with his performance level when given a rare probability to start out, Raya has risen to the event and proved Arteta proper in lots of respects.
<!-- End of Brightcove Player --> Nevertheless, this partnership is because of break up come the season's end with Ramsdale anticipated to go away seeking a No1 gig. Newcastle and Chelsea are interested.
Meaning Arteta shall be pressured to splash out on one other Raya competitor in the summer, one with comparable attributes who can slot in seamlessly when needed. Easier stated than completed.
RIGHT-BACK
First selection: Ben White
Second selection: Takehiro Tomiyasu
While Tomiyasu is a particularly versatile participant – one who can play throughout the whole backline – he is most suited to right-back, a position that White has nailed down.
But Tomiyasu is a participant that Arteta values drastically, a lot in order that the Japanese international has lately signed a contract extension until 2026 with a 12-month choice.
This can be a position of nice power at Arsenal, and although White is the popular selection, Arteta might depend on Tomiyasu to offer a strong efficiency when referred to as upon.
At 26, White – who also signed a brand new deal until 2028 final month – should present clarity at right-back for a few years to return at the Emirates.
David Raya has taken the No1 jersey from Aaron Ramsdale[/caption]
RIGHT CENTRE-BACK
First selection: William Saliba
Second selection: N/A
The one area of this Arsenal squad that needs pressing reinforcements. Tomiyasu might fill in here in an emergency, but this is not a long-term answer Arteta can be proud of.
Ought to Saliba – top-of-the-line younger defenders on the planet – succumb to another damage, Jakub Kiwior can be probably the most suited to changing him.
But the lack of depth behind him is worrying. Throughout Gabriel's day trip of the aspect firstly of the season, Ben White crammed in with Thomas Partey pressured in at right-back.
Arteta is eager to have 4 capable centre-backs in his squad, and with Rob Holding departing for Crystal Palace last summer time, a new face must be a priority.
Ben White is the first-choice right-back whereas Jakub Kiwior offers versatile cowl[/caption]
LEFT CENTRE-BACK
First selection: Gabriel
Second selection: Jakub Kiwior
Despite starring at left-back for the past few months, Kiwior was signed by Arteta last January primarily as a central defensive back-up, so that is the place we'll use him right now.
Earlier this campaign, the Polish international was perhaps close to being deemed surplus to requirements, yet his versatility has proved himself invaluable to Arteta.
Gabriel has had one in every of his greatest seasons in an Arsenal shirt since signing from Lille in 2020, forming a formidable duo with pal Saliba.
Whether or not Kiwior might fill the void if Gabriel is injured is another matter, but has to date had limited alternative to play as a pure centre-back this season.
LEFT-BACK
First selection: Jurrien Timber
Second selection: Oleksandr Zinchenko
He might have played only one Prem recreation this season earlier than rupturing his ACL in August, however Timber is destined to be Arteta's starting left-back.
Arteta has spoken glowingly of the Dutchman ever since he arrived from Ajax last summer time, even all through his sluggish restoration.
There's a perception Timber will be a game changer when fit – which could be in the next few weeks.
And behind him, there's a particularly succesful back-up in Zinchenko – a a number of Prem winner with City and pure chief. Another area of power in the squad.
Let's not overlook Kiwior too, who has sparkled at occasions as a makeshift left-back, especially in huge video games this calendar yr towards Liverpool and City.
CENTRAL MIDFIELDER
First selection: Declan Rice
Second selection: Thomas Partey
It is onerous to think about a new player who has hit the bottom operating higher at Arsenal – Rice is Arteta's Mr Reliable whose spectacular damage document remains intact.
However should Rice ever need a relaxation, Partey can step in. The Ghanaian is a special type of midfielder to Rice, however nonetheless has the physicality and the engine to do a job.
<p class="article__content--intro"> By Troy Deeney </p> </div> </div> Will Partey be pleased enjoying second fiddle? Unlikely, and with the 30-year-old's contract up next summer time, Arsenal might look to cash in on a participant who has suffered with damage points.
This is the one place on the pitch Arteta might danger not having a back-up, figuring out Rice will play nearly all of video games and persistently produce, but it might be a raffle.
There's unlikely to be area for Thomas Partey when Declan Rice is match[/caption]
CENTRAL MIDFIELDER
First selection: Jorginho
Second selection: Fabio Vieira
This is an area of concern. Vieira has lots of promise however has missed nearly all of the campaign with a groin drawback.
The Portuguese midfielder, 23, still has not absolutely adapted to the Prem after his 2022 change from Porto, and it remains to be seen whether Arteta is prepared to be patient.
And then there's Jorginho – anticipated to sign one other one-year extension together with his contract up on the finish of the season, but at 32, he isn't the longer term.
Nearly as good a job as he has finished for Arteta, his body and health require management, one thing Arsenal usually are not capable of do with ease right now.
ATTACKING MIDFIELDER
First selection: Martin Odegaard
Second selection: Emile Smith Rowe
Hailed as one of the saviours of Arsenal during Arteta's early reign, Smith Rowe's meteoric fall sees him at present on the bench unable to pressure his method again in.
He has averaged simply 23 minutes per Prem recreation this season. It is clear Arteta doesn't belief the 23-year-old to contribute to a title-winning group.
Is the Hale End academy product's time up at Arsenal? In that case, a back-up for skipper Odegaard is important, even when the Norwegian plays most minutes and infrequently will get injured.
Nevertheless, it is going to be robust to seek out somebody with the pressing means, monstrous engine and eye for a cross to match Odegaard, until Arteta takes a danger with a younger up-and-comer.
Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah stay on the fringes beneath Arteta[/caption]
RIGHT WINGER
First selection: Bukayo Saka
Second selection: Reiss Nelson
Certainly one of Arteta's most trusted enforcers, Saka has started plenty of matches this season despite not being 100 per cent fit – that's how useful he is to the aspect.
However there might be occasions when the England star needs a breather, and Nelson prior to now has shown to be an honest step-in – together with final yr's injury-time winner over Bournemouth.
But this season, Nelson seems to be one other fringe player that Arteta is dropping religion in to make an impression on the highest degree – he has averaged just 13 minutes a recreation in the Prem.
One other top-quality winger to maintain Saka on his toes can be superb, and could push Nelson even further in the direction of the exit door.
LEFT WINGER
First selection: Gabriel Martinelli
Second selection: Leandro Trossard
One other space of real power and depth. At occasions, Arteta has been torn between who to start out, particularly with Martinelli not hitting the heights of final season.
Trossard has shown his class in massive moments, however is but to show that he can achieve this over a 38-game league season for Arsenal.
Martinelli in the meantime was hitting his stride before a foot reduce hampered his progress.
Each gamers came on within the second half of their 0-Zero draw on the Etihad final weekend, both with flexibility to play across the entrance line when required.
STRIKER
First selection: Kai Havertz
Second selection: Gabriel Jesus
Third selection: Eddie Nketiah
It might be an enormous shock with Nketiah decides to stay around in North London beyond the top of this season, making simply ten Prem starts and averaging 44 minutes per recreation.
So, that leaves Arteta with a dilemma – two gamers who've starred down the center for Arsenal but aren't natural No9s.
After a sluggish start, Havertz has shown his worth with a flurry of goals while his aerial ability and work rate up top has impressed Arteta.
A hard knee has disrupted Jesus' movement however the Brazilian seems to be over that now. He performed properly out on the left towards Metropolis, offensively and defensively.
Despite at present having the option of Havertz and Jesus in that striker position, Arteta will choose to convey another a more traditional forward soon, maybe pushing Havertz back into a midfield position that introduced varying success before the brand new yr.
Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus have led the line this season[/caption]
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