In depth analysis of the midfielders Arsenal should be looking at. By Galen Sona.
On paper our midfield looks great, but 3 of them are still going to get injured? I don’t wish bad on our players, but I am tired of hoping the Cazorla, Wilshere and Ramsey would come back from these injuries and save us. Usually by the time they come back we are out of the title race anyway, that is if they come back at all. We need a fit and powerful midfielder to add to this team. The club needs to demonstrate a strong desire to achieve something. That is called ambition.
After looking at the strikers now I want to look at the midfielders. Wenger spoke of 2 players right? Our next focus is on the midfield….
Corentine Tolisso, 14 goals, 6 assists (Lyon, France) 22 years Old. 181cm
He is a complete midfielder, who is capable of doing it all. His passing is usually forward with the aim of maintaining momentum and pressing. Unlike Xhaka he prefers the short sharp quick passes which means he would complement Xhaka greatly. His game is about power and control. His work rate and ability to mark when his team loses possession makes him extra special. This kid is the next big thing and he is ready for the next level. With 14 goals in all competition, 8 in the league, he is proven and quality.
Just like Lacazette he has come out and said Arsenal makes him dream, what more should he do? He says he is ready to go to the next level and that he loves it in England and especially at Arsenal. Lets not be like that guy you give a pretty lady to and he says have you got a bed as well? Tolisso has given us all the hints in this world. What are we waiting for? I don’t want this to be one of those stories where people say we were very close to signing him, he almost played for Arsenal and so on. Make it happen Wenger.
Leon Goretzka, 8 Goals, 4 assists (Schalke, Germany) 22 years old. 189 CM.
If we are not going for Tolisso, then it should only be because we are going for Goretzka. He would be the next big German midfielder. He is the next Ballack and at 22 years of age, we should be all over this transfer. Kolasanic is here, Xhaka, Ozil, Per, all German speaking players, the manager speaks German too. Get Podolski to give him a call, do what ever you can to bring this type of quality to Arsenal. He is also very calm and good on the ball, and willing to run up the pitch for a shot on goal. A very versatile player, Goretzka can operate either as a defensive midfielder, a central midfielder or a right midfielder.
Because he stands at 6’2, his height allows Goretzka to be terrific at winning the ball in the air, which allows him to score goals with his head, and keep possession for Schalke. Goretzka’s size also makes him ideal at blocking the ball, and he has become an ideal shot and cross blocker, a great trait for any defensive midfielder. His willingness to tackle is uncharacteristic of midfielders in modern football as we know it. Goretzka, apart with his tackling, also starts attacks for Schalke by getting lots of interceptions in the midfield. Goretzka is an expert at reading where the other teams passes are going and making interceptions. Even though he is primarily a defensive midfielder, Goretzka possesses a wicked shot from long range. People say we are weak in the middle of the pitch and its easy to bully us, not with this guy.
Naby Keita 8 goals , 7 assist (RB Leipzig) 22 years old.
Loads of noises have been made about him , especially from Germany, I don’t want to say too much about him cause I have never watched him play. My biggest problem with him is the African Nations cup. Don’t get me wrong. I have nothing against signing African Players, but that tournament is a problem, when players return they are either too tired or get injured easily. I wanted Wanyama because Kenya never qualifies for the Nations cup. We already have Iwobi and Elneny, who would be leaving us for the tournament. That said he is rated at £50 million, and everybody says he is the real deal, so I suppose he is very good.
Radja Naingolan 16 goals , 8 assist (Roma, Italy) 29 years old.
Tolisso and Goretzka are only top of my list because I don’t see Arsenal spending £30million on a 29 year old midfielder. It was the same reason I said we shall not go in for Arturo Vidal last season. We are scared of bringing quality if we think there is no resale value. This is the most complete midfielder or one of the most complete in the world at the moment. There is nothing he can’t do. Can you imagine him and Xhaka next season? Nobody will mess about with us. He can break legs too I tell you. I would rather have him playing at Arsenal than playing against us.
With 16 goals in all competitions and 11 in the league, he has reached his peak. its like Bayern buying Vidal, buying a player who is on top of his game. This club is so scared of investing in older players its scary. This guy is a winner and he would help change the mindset of the club. But would Arsenal pay £30 million for a 29 year old?
Jean Michele Seri 7 goals , 9 assist (Nice , France) 25 years old
Maybe he is the best midfielder in the French league at the moment. You see a little guy in the centre of the pitch controlling the entire game. He is one of the closest things you would see to Xavi, and a great replacement for Cazorla. Everybody in France is talking about Seri. He has taken Nice to the the Champions league positions. I know loads of Arsenal fans would like to see him here. Like I said, he is spoken of being better than Verratti and is rated highly by everyone. That African Nations cup thing disturbs me, but if we have to go for such quality I won’t be complaining.
Tiemoue Bakayoko 3 goals 1 assist (Monaco, France) 22 years 184 cm
People say he is the next Patrick Vieira. But they say that about most French midfielders. Kondogbia, Schneiderlin, Imbula were all called the next Vieira. I don’t think this kid is just hype, he is a top quality defensive midfielder that does the simple things and does them well. He has a good height and is rock solid and can cope very well in the premier league. At 22 years of age we are talking about someone that can be a solution to a problem position for the next 10 years.
Steven N’zonzi. 3 goals 3 assists (Sevilla, Spain) 28 years Old 190 Cm
I know what people are going to say, but this guy is one of the most under-rated players to have played in the Premier league. In Spain he is getting into the Spanish team of the season and he is actually getting the recognition he deserves. The biggest problem with N’zonzi is the fact that he was a Stoke City player. Always ignored because he played for Stoke City, and thus was labled a rugby footballer. He is premier league proven, Physically strong, wins balls with ease, can spray passes, can score goals. He can do it all and he is at the peak of his game at 28 years old. He can now be a leader .
Sead Kolasanic is coming, Wenger spoke of 2 super quality players, a Striker and a Midfielder will do the trick. I hope the club show their ambition and do whats best for the fans by bringing TOP Quality.
by Galen Sona.