Do Arsenal really need another Center-Back?by SE
Thomas Vermaelen’s departure from the Emirates has left the void for another possible addition in the heart of Arsenal’s defence. Calum Chambers has been snapped up from Southampton for his versatility, and not for a ‘specific’ role. But the Englishman has featured at the heart of Arsenal’s defence in all the three games he has played for the Community Shield victors, which could be taken as an implication of how Wenger sees him. From that point of view, despite the departure of Vermaelen, Arsenal still have 3 very good Center-Halves. But do they really need another Center-Back? And can they buy a good one without needing to win some jackpots on Bigcasinobonuses.co.uk?
For me, the big question is who serves as the backup for Mathieu Debuchy at Right-Back? Hector Bellerin was very impressive against Benfica in the Emirates Cup. He over-lapped on a consistent basis, and provided an assist for Campbell’s first goal. More than that, it was his buccaneering runs forward that caught many an eye that evening.
But, even as a modern Right-Back, who is expected to do so much in an attacking sense, your primary objective is to keep the opposition from scoring. So it remains to be seen whether Bellerin can keep up with the high-tempo and physical nature of the Premier League, as, if and when he gets to feature for Arsenal at Right-Back.
And, if Wenger deems Bellerin ‘good enough’ to be injected into the Arsenal senior XI at 19 years of age, that would be one welcome move from the Frenchman, who has already taken shrewd steps in this transfer window to make sure that Arsenal are one of the serious title contenders for the Premier League this season.
It becomes straightforward then. Bellerin becomes an automatic backup choice for Debuchy at Right-Back, while Chambers can continue playing at the heart of Arsenal’s defence whenever the need arises.
However, the vigor with which Wenger is weighing up his options at Center-Back, it wouldn’t surprise me if he brings in one, and keeps Chambers’ versatility, to play at Center-Back, Right-Back and Holding Midfield, open.
Suhith