Who should be our three starting center backs? by Francois
Arsenal’s season starts on Friday and it is far from clear who our three starting center backs should be. Here is who I believe should start, when everybody is fit and eligible to play.
Kos will not be available against Leicester because of his suspension, but we can all agree that when available, he is a guaranteed starter. For the last couple of seasons, he has been our defensive leader, and nothing suggests that that will change this year. I see him as our right center back.
On the left side of our defense, it seems to be a competition between Kolasinac and Monreal. I love both players, and the choice really is difficult. They both are very reliable and hard working, and frankly, I feel comfortable with both of them. However, because he is younger and stronger physically, I think Kolasinac should be the starter. At 24, the prime of his career is coming, whereas Nacho, at 31, is likely nearing some sort of decline physically.
Down the middle, I will surprise many of you by going with Mert. The big German, in a three men defense, is not as vulnerable to speedy forwards as we saw a couple years back when we were playing a back 4. He also brings size and great ability to defend corners, crosses and free kicks. No other defender in the team brings those attributes to the team. Also, with Kos and Kola, two very aggressive players, it is always beneficial to have a calmer defender, to bring balance to the defence. And let’s not forget he is our captain! For those reasons, I think he should be playing in front of Mustafi, Holding and Gabriel.
Do you agree? Who do you think should be our starters?
COYG!
François