When Francis Coquelin was recalled from his loan spell at Charlton Athletic in December as result of the injury crisis in midfield, most Arsenal fans would not have been very pleased, especially considering that Wenger could have dipped into the January market to sign a new defensive midfielder. But three months on, the young Frenchman seems to be one of the first names on the team sheet.
With impeccable work-rate and desire to go with strong tackles and shrewd interceptions, Coquelin seems to have a passion for breaking up play. Personally, I feel that he is the first out-and-out defensive midfielder that Arsenal have had in ages, and the benefits of having such a player on the pitch is evident for all to see. But with that being said, there is still a raging debate between Gooners as to whether Le Prof needs to bring in another such player in the summer.
Based solely on the squad that Arsenal have now, I believe another defensive midfielder should be brought in. Looking at Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini, I think they are both past it and simply do not seem to have the legs to cut it in the Premier League. With Flamini’s contract set to expire this summer and Arteta having just one year to run on his deal, my opinion is that they both should be let go and a new DM should be brought in. Needless to mention, they are both injury-prone as well.
While Le Coq has quite evidently made the position his own recently, I do believe there will be games next season where Wenger might have to start with two holding midfielders, especially when we play the big teams away. It may be a little too early to start talking about names but it is an area on the pitch that does need reinforcements in the summer.
Anurag