Stats show new Arsenal signing is huge upgrade on Nacho Monreal & Kieran Gibbs by Russell Cane
Sead Kolasinac, Arsenal’s first summer signing from Bundesliga side Schalke, is a huge upgrade on current left-backs Nacho Monreal and Kieran Gibbs, statistics show. The Bosnia-Herzegovina defender came through the Schalke youth ranks, making more than 100 appearances for the Budesliga club. He will join Arsenal on a free transfer on 1 July after his contract expires.
Our friends at Oulala.com have taken a look at how Kolasinac measured up to Monreal and Gibbs in six key areas on a per game basis last season.
Covering both defensive and offensive performance, our analysis suggests that the 23-year-old will slot straight into Arsene Wenger’s starting XI ahead of the Arsenal duo based on statistics from the Bundesliga and Premier League.
On a per game basis, Kolasinac won more tackles (2.8), made more interceptions (3.2), had more shots (0.7) and was only matched by Gibbs for key passes (0.9).
Kolasinac was also directly involved in eight goals, netting three and provided a further five assists in just 25 appearances, compared to zero goals and three assists from Monreal and Gibbs combined.
With age on his side too, it appears Arsene Wenger’s first signing is the perfect start to the rebuilding job he faces in turning Arsenal back into genuine title contenders.