Arsenal’s left-back role may finally be sorted, but could there still be a need to recruit another left-back this summer?
Among the reasons Arsenal failed to lift the 2023-24 Premier League title, some feel the lack of stability at left-back was a contributing factor.
Last season, Arsenal simply couldn’t maintain consistency in the left-back position. Takehiro Tomiyasu struggled with injuries, Oleksandr Zinchenko battled inconsistency and fitness issues, and Jurrien Timber missed the majority of the season due to a long-term injury. Jakub Kiwior stepped in but failed to make the role his own.
In an effort to resolve their left-back struggles, the Gunners splashed out £42 million to secure Ricardo Calafiori from Bologna, who feels he can “play any role“.
Calafiori didn’t hit the ground running, with an early injury slowing his start at the club. However, he gradually recovered and began to establish himself in the team. But just as he was finding his footing, Hale End graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly burst onto the scene and staked his claim for the left-back spot.
The position, once seen as a weakness, has now transformed into an area of strength, with two quality full-backs competing for a starting role.
It’s fantastic that Lewis-Skelly has made such an impact at left-back, and at just 18 years old, one might assume the position is sorted for years to come. However, that may not be the case.
Not long ago, head coach Mikel Arteta, as quoted by Goal, hinted that Lewis-Skelly’s long-term future could lie in midfield.
“He can play as a 6 and an 8,” Arteta said. “It will depend a lot on the relationships and the chemistry with other players, and how this evolves within the team.”
Based on these revelations, one can’t help but feel that Lewis-Skelly is ultimately viewed as a midfielder. It’s well-documented that he played primarily as a midfielder during his time in the academy, and some believe his stint at left-back is part of a developmental strategy to instil tactical discipline in him.
With Arsenal likely to see a midfield exodus—Thomas Partey and Jorginho are expected to leave as free agents—could we see Lewis-Skelly transition back to midfield and be given more opportunities there?
If the young Englishman is poised to move into midfield in the near future, would it be wise for Arsenal to sign another left-back this summer?
Should Arsenal explore this option, one name that stands out is Ajax’s Jorrel Hato. Before the Gunners signed Calafiori, reports suggested Hato was a top target.
Interestingly, TBR Football recently reported that Arsenal’s interest in Hato remains strong. Could the Ajax star be a potential replacement for Lewis-Skelly at left-back as he transitions to midfield?
What are your thoughts Gooners?
Daniel O
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keep MLS at left-back for one more season to develop further his defensive capabilities – Saka did the same I believe
Which gives us:
Raya / Stetford
White / Timber
Saliba / White / Gabriel / Calafiori / Timber
Calafiori / MLS / Timber
Zubamendi / Partey / Merino
Rice / Havertz / Odegaard / Nwaneri / Merino
Saka / Nwaneri
New striker / Havertz / Butler Odeyji
Martinelli / new winger
Have I missed anyone ?
Partey looks more likely to leave after this season. if we can sign Nico williams who can play on the left. Morgan gibbs white who can play Defensive/creative midfielder.
Missed out on Trossard, Gabriel jesus.
I would look to move him into midfield from next season, particularly if we can get a new left back. I think he’s got the ability to be a really top level 6 in the partey mould. He does have the physical attributes and skill to be a really good 8 as well, I just think the rarity of 6s with his ball retention abilities make it a clear preference.
Neither MLS nor Calafiori are quality left backs and they never will be.The two best conventional left backs in the Premier League are Robinson at Fulham and Kerkes at Bournemouth.Unfortunately our Manager does not do “conventional” when it comes to the LB position so I don’t expect us to move for either player.Our best LB is KT who is of course moving back to his beloved Celtic where he will enjoy trust and respect from their Manager.As to MLS,I hope he makes it in midfield but I don’t think he will.
The most important thing for a young player is minutes,which help players develop. At this point in his development,I don’t think he or we should worry too much about where he plays. It is highly unlikely though,that MLS will get a lot of minutes in midfield thus he should continue in the LB role where he has the trust of the manager and has done well,earning a call up to the National team.
Just like Saka and many others played multiple roles before settling on one,MLS still has lots of time to do that. Wenger used to play young players in multiple positions and that mostly helped them become better footballers.
The danger with versatility is it invariably leads to players becoming ” a Jack of all trades, Master of none”.MSL has done well this season, but had he performed to the same level for say Brentford, rather than a high profile side such as Arsenal, I very much doubt if he would have been considered for a full international Cap at this stage of his career.As it is, the dearth of quality left backs has plagued England team Managers for some time, and the imbalance which has arisen by trying to fit square pegs in round holes is one of the reasons why England failed to win the Euros.
Exactly Grandad. These professionals have risen to the levels few others have achieved by becoming the best (requiring a significant period of time) at their specialized positions. They may be needed in other capacities from time to time given the circumstances but otherwise they are only going to be consistently at their best when they are doing what made them great.
I don’t see versatility as a problem at 18, especially if the player is playing two roles that aren’t that different. As an inverted LB, MLS basically spends half the time in midfield anyway.Saka spent his teens in multiple positions and I believe that made him a better player.
Even Lionel Messi, the greatest player of my generation,maybe the greatest ever,played multiple positions as a teenager breaking into the Barcelona squad.
By the way I don’t see people having a problem with Ethan being versatile having played in at least three different positions already this season. Why is it a problem when it comes to MLS? There are hardly any 18 year olds who are masters at anything. They just want to play. I’d be more concerned if MLS was 23 and hadn’t settled on a position.
I remember Wenger playing his centre forwards out wide at times (bendtner being one of the strangest to see) because he wanted them to be comfortable in wide positions and presumably because he thought it made them more rounded footballers. I always thought that was a smart approach.
It’s also worth nothing that half of the outfield players of the invincibles team had played predominantly in different positions before settling into our team (ljungberg – cm, pires – across midfield but often central, Lauren – midfield, toure – various, Henry – LW) and we frequently used wiltord out wide to great effect (I believe during that season but could be mistaken). In particular, the impact Henry’s previous position had on his playing style and success is quite obvious, and I’m sure many of the others would say the same for themselves.
Imo versatility and ability to play in different roles can be a massive plus for highly skilled or intelligent players, but some do better at focusing on one position. Xhaka is one who, while undoubtedly an intelligent player, really struggled to adapt to different roles, I think because of the differing physical demands, and the fact he wasn’t a great tackler. It just depends on the player.
I don’t see a problem with players like MLS learning different roles, I think he has the skills and mindset for it. Similar to timber in that respect.
I couldn’t have put it better myself Davi
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