Shkodran Mustafi could still have a future at Arsenal
Last season Shkodran Mustafi was probably the most criticised Arsenal player, sometimes unjustly. In fact, even in pre-season, the German was being booed.
Things have turned around for the 27-year-old and he is no longer the victim of condemnation and jeering.
The main reason for that is because he has not featured in the Premier League. However, when he has been called up for the cup competitions he has played very well.
Mustafi is not actually a bad player. He came to Arsenal with a good reputation and he has shown, on occasions, that he is a decent defender.
At the end of last season, he was probably the best defender in a sea of dross. There is an argument that he has been the most in-form defender for the last few months.
He has not thrown his dummy out of the pram, he has accepted being dropped and got his head down. Other players have shown their true negative character when dropped, not Mustafi.
I would suggest that he has a role to play in the squad, his attitude is spot on, he takes whatever opportunities come his way and attempts to do his very best. He is reliable in the sense that he is committed to the shirt and you just know he will try his heart out when called upon.
I am not suggesting that Mustafi is a top-quality Premier League defender and it is improbable he will become a first-team regular. But there is a role for him to play and the character and attitude he has shown, for me, makes him deserving of another chance to remain an Arsenal player, albeit a bit part one.