TO SORT ARSENAL OUT DEFENSIVELY – BUY BOLY!
After the last five matches with bad results where Arsenal won just one, lost three and drew 1, a far cry from the high flying 22 match unbeaten streak, every Arsenal fan must have a fantasy of hearing that we are signing Virgil van Dijk or Kalidou Koulibaly. Bad news, these calibre of players would cost colossal sums that Arsenal are just not known to fork out. You could say, they are unavailable.
However, who says there isn’t the calibre of these defenders that Arsenal can target. We have all seen that Wolverhampton Wanderers are performing wonders defensively especially against the top six sides, just the place Arsenal would be happy to improve.
Just to emphasize how impactful Willy Boly has been at Wolves let’s compare his statistics with those of Virgil van Dijk. Here is Statistically Boly Vs Dijk.
| Parameter of Comparison | Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool Age 27 Height 6’4 |
Willy Boly – Wolves
Age 27 Height 6’5 |
|
| 1 | Appearances | 20 | 20 |
| 2 | Goals conceded (Team) | 8 | 23 |
| 3 | Clean sheets (Team) | 5 | 11 |
| 4 | Tackles | 19 | 52 |
| 5 | Tackle Success % | 79% | 62% |
| 6 | Last man Tackles | 0 | 1 |
| 7 | Blocked shots | 6 | 2 |
| 8 | Interceptions | 23 | 43 |
| 9 | Clearances | 101 | 88 |
| 10 | Headed clearances | 52 | 62 |
| 11 | Clearance off the line | 0 | 0 |
| 12 | Recoveries | 95 | 133 |
| 13 | Duels won | 114 | 136 |
| 14 | Duels lost | 39 | 70 |
| 15 | Successful 50%/50% | 5 | 7 |
| 16 | Aerial battles won | 81 | 70 |
| 17 | Aerial Battles lost | 32 | 28 |
| 18 | Own Goals | 0 | 0 |
| 19 | Errors leading to goals | 0 | 0 |
Looking at these numbers and realizing that Willy Boly has just had half a season at the EPL, it is clear that in a short rum Willy Boly would become a high calibre defender at the same levels with the likes of Virgil, and Arsenal should tempt the resolve of Wolves to release him. We could give them a negotiated deal that includes an immediate loan back for the rest of the season if they insist. This is a purchase Arsenal should make right now when Boly is still available at the bargain store.
Nicholas