Should Elneny really start v Stoke? by JH
So Arsenal finally completed the transfer of our first DM since Lassana Diarra, and today rumours have been rife that he may well start his first game at the Brittania stadium on Sunday.
Whilst I am sure we are all aware of the saying that you haven’t made it in the League until you do it away to Stoke, I still feel throwing him into the deep end on his debut could be something we severely regret.
I will admit to writing this somewhat in ignorance of Elneny’s ability, I do not know how well he can cope with the physical challenge he will face, and although he bossed proceedings vs Liverpool, Chelsea and Spurs, Stoke are another proposition entirely.
I would be saying this no matter what league we had bought Elneny from, but how many Stoke-like challenges would he have faced in the Swiss league? Or the Europa league?
Of course I could be saying this for nothing. He may start, who knows he may boss the midfield, but think of the consequences if he doesn’t. If he is overrun in the DM position we are unlikely to beat Stoke, his confidence may be affected, our confidence in him will undoubtedly be shaken.
I know I may be being pessimistic here, but I feel we should start with players that know what to expect from Stoke, hopefully get in a position where we can introduce Elneny relatively risk free.
What do you guys think, Should we save Elneny’s first start for a so called easier side? Or should we throw him in at the deep end and really see how good he is?
By JonnHirons