Originally posted date: 10/29/2014
All stats as of then. This is a repost due to change of blog.
When anybody looks at the Arsenal team words like technique, skill, creativity immediately come out. Words like leadership and primacy do not pop up. This is not to say we do not have leaders. Players like Mertesacker and Arteta are leaders who inspire without using their mouths too much and players like Flamini (try to be) leaders who do not shut their mouth constantly talking to ensure concentration levels are kept up (though not in reality)! Then there are players like Wilshere despite his small size is constantly there abouts every time a fight happens. But are they the Vieiraesque leaders we have lacked? In a way yes, but in many ways no. Every so called pundit (including people like Michael Owen) keep insisting that the biggest problem for Arsenal has always been the lack of a real ball winner in midfield who can break up play and immediately set Arsenal off on the counter like the way Arsenal greats Vieira and Gilberto have done on abounding occasions.
There are 2 types of ball winners a team could have, one the Mascherano type. Despite not being the tallest player he puts himself on every challenge, winning the ball on utmost occasions. Then there is the Vieira type of player who uses his long legs to make some superb tackles to take away the ball from extreme situations. Now let me enlist a few DM's we could sign in January itself or some internal solutions that could help us right away.
Again as during the post where I spoke about 10 CB's we should target in this post stats taken from Squawka are taken and each stat is an average per 90 minutes.
Before talking about solutions let's look at the players currently playing DM for Arsenal, Arteta and Flamini.
Let us look at last season for comparing all the available solutions.
All stats are for the Premier League season of 2013/14:
MIKEL ARTETA MATHIEU FLAMINI
INTERCEPTIONS: 2.36 2.19
BLOCKS: 0.26 0.62
TACKLES WON: 2.65 1.40
DEFENSIVE ERRORS: 0.15 0.17
AERIAL DUELS WON (%): 45.95 62.16
CLEARANCES: 2.06 3.20
PASS COMPLETION (%): 92 91
Now let's take a look at a few external solutions,
1. MILE JEDINAK (CRYSTAL PALACE) : Hear me out guys! Jedinak has been a beast for Palace both last season and this season as well. Australian national team captain Mile Jedinak is the fifth best player in Europe and best in the Barclays Premier League.
Using a detailed scoring matrix, online fantasy football game Oulala has the Crystal Palace skipper behind only la Liga superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette and Montpellier’s Victorino Hilton in terms of performances this season.
Jedinak last season led the Premier League in tackles (133) and interceptions (139). He captained and started every league game for Crystal Palace.
According to whoscored.com Jedinak rated as the 8th best player with a rating of 7.55 (on par with Yaya Toure!). He has a huge frame, standing tall at 1.89 m. His possible drawbacks are that he is already 30 and his lack of pace. But his stats show he makes up for his lack of pace by putting his body on the line. His leadership skills are also pretty obvious as he has been made captain of both club and country. He was a key component in the side that Tony Pulis made wonders with.
Here are some of his stats from 2013/14 season,
INTERCEPTIONS: 3.67
BLOCKS: 0.45
TACKLES WON: 2.71
DEFENSIVE ERRORS: 0.05
AERIAL DUELS WON (%): 69.43
CLEARANCES: 4.12
PASS COMPLETION (%): 72
Just a quick glance at his stats confirms to you why he has been so highly rated by whoscored.com. He also make 0.05 defensive errors per game which is far lesser than the likes of Arteta or Flamini. Given his experience in the league he would not need to settle. Also in a league like the BPL he has a aerial duel win rate of almost 70 percent which shows he is fantastic in the air. But he is used to a more direct style of play with Palace when compared with the short passing route Arsenal follows. But given his experience it would not be hard to change that. Value according to http://www.transfermarkt.com is 4.00 Mill. €. Will be a great signing and can also help to develop the younger players at Arsenal.
2. MORGAN SCHNEIDERLIN (SOUTHAMPTON): A player who was desperate to leave the club following the exodus of star players from Southampton suddenly seems to accept that Saints team now is better than last season. Well who wouldn't? They sit 2nd in the table and have put in some performances (beating Sunderland 8-0) that suggest they very much deserve a top 4 position this season. But given the French connection at Arsenal and the chance to play regular Champions League football we can safely assume Morgan will jump at the chance to change ships. Schneiderlin is not the tallest player at 1.81 m (Suprisingly short given how good in the air he is). But an excellent tackler and he has an eye for a pass as shown with his superb pass completion rate. He was a key player to their fantastic form last season and he seems an even better player this season. His form last season got him called up to the French National team for the World Cup. Given Cabaye's lack of games for PSG this season should Morgan step up to a bigger team this season he will surely take over Cabaye's position in the national team.
Here are some of his stats from 2013/14 season,
INTERCEPTIONS: 2.21
BLOCKS: 0.13
TACKLES WON: 2.83
DEFENSIVE ERRORS: 0.00
AERIAL DUELS WON (%): 61.84
CLEARANCES: 1.69
PASS COMPLETION (%): 89
At the Saints last season he played more of a box-box player with Wanyama as the DM. But after Wanyama suffered injuries Morgan ended up playing DM for those games and he impressed there. Given that the Saints play a similar style to the Gunners it will not be difficult for him to settle at the club should he sign. Being only 24 years old his peak is ahead of him. Signing him would set the team for a good few years. Value according to http://www.transfermarkt.com is 20.00 Mill. €.
3. EUGEN POLANSKI (HOFFENHEIM): The 28 year old Polish international who stands at 1.83 m is a tough tackler and has captained Germany on various youth levels before choosing Poland as the country he wants to represent. He has played in the Bundesliga and La Liga (for Getafe). He has made more than 15 appearances for the national team since making his debut in 2011. An excellent tackler Polanski also has a keen eye for making important interceptions and breaking up oppositions play. Will be easily convinced to join us as Arsenal is a step up from Hoffenheim. Not the fastest player you will find, but one with very high concentration very rarely making any defensive lapses.
Here are some of his stats from 2013/14 season,
INTERCEPTIONS: 2.69
BLOCKS: 0.07
TACKLES WON: 3.23
DEFENSIVE ERRORS: 0.00
AERIAL DUELS WON (%): 61.84
CLEARANCES: 1.18
PASS COMPLETION (%): 77
As can be seen he did not make a single error in defence. He can be rash in his passing but shows a lot of energy to win the ball back. A definite upgrade over Arteta and Flamini and available on the cheap. Value according to http://www.transfermarkt.com is 4.00 Mill. €.
4. LARS BENDER (LEVERKUSEN): An annual target according to media reports the tough tackling Lars is the twin brother of BVB player Sven Bender. Lars has represented Germany on 17 occasions scoring 4 times. An unfortunate injury ruled him out of the World Cup which Germany eventually won. Has a decent height of 1.84 m. Has a great work rate but plays more of a box-box midfielder for Leverkusen. He can play at DM and has done so on many occasions in the past. Not the strongest in the air but does a decent job. He never seems to lose energy and he works so tirelessly on the field. Would help Arsenal's pressing game with his stamina. Would be a fantastic addition to the team. At 24 has many years ahead of him and will settle Arsenal's DM issues for some time.
Here are some of his stats from 2013/14 season,
INTERCEPTIONS: 1.96
BLOCKS: 0.38
TACKLES WON: 3.37
DEFENSIVE ERRORS: 0.04
AERIAL DUELS WON (%): 49.04
CLEARANCES: 2.00
PASS COMPLETION (%): 77
His tirelessness would be a very important aspect to the Arsenal team. Also being a German it will be very easy for him to settle at the club with the ever increasing German influence. Technically very good and since Leverkusen play a similar style to us the transition will not be very hard. Could be the signing we so desperately need!
Value according to http://www.transfermarkt.com is 22.00 Mill. €.
5. MAXIME GONALONS (LYON): Another annual target for us. Gonalons is also an annual target for Napoli! Standing at 1.87 m he is an excellent header of the ball and could play at CB in extreme cases. He has played for the national team on 6 occasions. A leader, Gonalons has captained the Lyon team on many occasions. He is from the famous Lyon academy. He is also an excellent passer of the ball and helps setting his team on counter attacks. Being French joining us would be quiet an easy task. Lyon play a very similar style to us and hence his transition will be simple. Being able to cover at CB gives us another reason to target him as we are short at that position. He is a fan favorite at Lyon and their President has repeatedly told he is not for sale. But money talks in the end and he could be ours for the right type of money. Also knowing our manager Arsene this could very well be our type of signing. He is a no-nonsense type of player and would fit us perfectly. Match made in heaven!
Here are some of his stats from 2013/14 season,
INTERCEPTIONS: 2.43
BLOCKS: 0.08
TACKLES WON: 2.77
DEFENSIVE ERRORS: 0.08
AERIAL DUELS WON (%): 64.56
CLEARANCES: 2.09
PASS COMPLETION (%): 88
Having a high pass completion rate Gonalons shows he could fit in our system perfectly. Also he has a good aerial duel win rate and is good in the air. Could make some defensive mistakes and that should be removed from his game. If done so he could be our long searched replacement for Gilberto Silva.
Value according to http://www.transfermarkt.com is 14.50 Mill. €.
6. VICTOR SANCHEZ (ESPANYOL): When a player is very highly rated at the La Masia academy it speaks wonders for them. Victor Sanchez rose through the famed Barca academy even playing 8 times for the senior team. He was a player who could play RB,DM,CM,CB. A player like that should be present in every team. But it's not just his versatility that shows him as a great player, his work-rate, ball winning ability, passing etc showcases his talent. Rising through as a very talented youngster a lot was expected out of him. But the burden of expectations seemed too hard for him. He left the club ultimately seeming lost. He went to the Swiss league with Xamax and started to regain confidence. He then joint Espanyol, Barca's neighbours during the last minutes of the 2012 winter transfer window. There was no looking back then. A constant figure in the Espanyol team his versatility has proved a burden as he is expected to fulfill many positions and has been unable to settle down in one position. He finally got to play in his favoured midfield role and has showcased that he is starting to prove his potential. With has fantastic work-rate and tenacious ball winning ability Victor Sanchez is a Mascherano mould of DM. Not very great in the air due to his lack of height, he makes up for that with some superb ball winning tackles on the ground.
Here are some of his stats from 2013/14 season,
INTERCEPTIONS: 3.06
BLOCKS: 0.47
TACKLES WON: 4.06
DEFENSIVE ERRORS: 0.03
AERIAL DUELS WON (%): 51.28
CLEARANCES: 2.00
PASS COMPLETION (%): 76
His defensive abilities have been showed in the stats. His tackling rate is much higher than anyone in this list and a player of that ability is needed at Arsenal. He could cover for us in key positions like RB and CB if needed.
Value according to http://www.transfermarkt.com is 3.00 Mill. €. At 3 million he could be the bargain of the century! Precisely the type of player we need and at a very very very cheap rate for his ability.
Now let us take a look at some internal solutions to the team,
1. FRANCIS COQUELIN: Still shocks me that he has not lived up to the potential he showed 2 years back. He was excellent back then covering at RB,LB and DM. He may not be as good technically as Arteta but shows way more energy than him and could be a decent stop gap player and who knows with playing time he could genuinely improve! A look at his stats from the 2012/13 season is bound to shock you all.
INTERCEPTIONS: 5.22
BLOCKS: 0.40
TACKLES WON: 3.21
DEFENSIVE ERRORS: 0.00
AERIAL DUELS WON (%): 60
CLEARANCES: 1.21
PASS COMPLETION (%): 87
Seems like a world class defensive midfielder with those stats doesn't he!? Well calm down people he had played 11 games that season and most as a substitute (224 minutes in total). But none the less it can be seen that he has the ability , may be not the attitude any more. There has to be some reason for dropping him and him not getting game time at Freiburg last season. Anyways would definitely do a better job than Flamini!
2. AARON RAMSEY: Again hear me out! Ramsey's form last season was so good he could have played for any team in the world. But there has been a very radical drop in form this season for our Welsh wonder. He may be missing Giroud who was keen to his play with all the flicks. But it was seen last season along with all the goals he was making some fantastic tackles. He has an excellent range for a pass and seems to have infinite stamina! Well those are key conditions needed for a DM. Of course playing him in that position will curb his attacking instincts. But his attacking play has been poor this season.
Let us have a look at his defensive stats for last season and as to why I am asserting his name in this list and for this position.
INTERCEPTIONS: 1.18
BLOCKS: 0.15
TACKLES WON: 3.32
DEFENSIVE ERRORS: 0.05
AERIAL DUELS WON (%): 33.33
CLEARANCES: 0.87
PASS COMPLETION (%): 84
Well not the best defensive stats are they? But he was playing a more advanced role last season. But none the less he has decent defensive stats and could play there better than the likes or Arteta or Flamini atleast until January where we could sign a better defensive minded player and move him to his more favored role.
3. ISAAC HAYDEN: The Arsenal U-21's captain has impressed when he has played. Very calm and composed on the ball he is a decent passer. Also given his height he is good in the air. He could do a decent job both in CB and DM. But his lack of experience is probably the reason Arsene is resiting playing him. He is very highly rated at the club and unless given first team opportunities sooner rather than later he may end up leaving like other highly rated prospects (Aneke, JET, Lansbury etc). Should be at least sent on loan so he can develop further. Has all the attributes of great player in the making.
4. CALUM CHAMBERS: The young English international has played and impressed at both CB and RB. He has shown a very gauche side by picking up many yellow cards. Should improve that side of his. Arsene himself said in the future he sees him as a DM in the future. Could do a very decent job. But having not played there yet it could be a risk better not worth trying.
His stats this season show he could a decent job though,
INTERCEPTIONS: 2.34
BLOCKS: 0.00
TACKLES WON: 2.78
DEFENSIVE ERRORS: 0.00
AERIAL DUELS WON (%): 61.90
CLEARANCES: 5.71
PASS COMPLETION (%): 87
5. ABOU DIABY: This was to just add another name!! Well jokes aside injuries have ruined this mans career. What a player he could have been. Still like Ledley King could be saved and played against the big teams while Arteta could do a decent job against the smaller ones.
All stats as of then. This is a repost due to change of blog.
When anybody looks at the Arsenal team words like technique, skill, creativity immediately come out. Words like leadership and primacy do not pop up. This is not to say we do not have leaders. Players like Mertesacker and Arteta are leaders who inspire without using their mouths too much and players like Flamini (try to be) leaders who do not shut their mouth constantly talking to ensure concentration levels are kept up (though not in reality)! Then there are players like Wilshere despite his small size is constantly there abouts every time a fight happens. But are they the Vieiraesque leaders we have lacked? In a way yes, but in many ways no. Every so called pundit (including people like Michael Owen) keep insisting that the biggest problem for Arsenal has always been the lack of a real ball winner in midfield who can break up play and immediately set Arsenal off on the counter like the way Arsenal greats Vieira and Gilberto have done on abounding occasions.
There are 2 types of ball winners a team could have, one the Mascherano type. Despite not being the tallest player he puts himself on every challenge, winning the ball on utmost occasions. Then there is the Vieira type of player who uses his long legs to make some superb tackles to take away the ball from extreme situations. Now let me enlist a few DM's we could sign in January itself or some internal solutions that could help us right away.
Again as during the post where I spoke about 10 CB's we should target in this post stats taken from Squawka are taken and each stat is an average per 90 minutes.
Before talking about solutions let's look at the players currently playing DM for Arsenal, Arteta and Flamini.
Let us look at last season for comparing all the available solutions.
All stats are for the Premier League season of 2013/14:
MIKEL ARTETA MATHIEU FLAMINI
INTERCEPTIONS: 2.36 2.19
BLOCKS: 0.26 0.62
TACKLES WON: 2.65 1.40
DEFENSIVE ERRORS: 0.15 0.17
AERIAL DUELS WON (%): 45.95 62.16
CLEARANCES: 2.06 3.20
PASS COMPLETION (%): 92 91
Now let's take a look at a few external solutions,
1. MILE JEDINAK (CRYSTAL PALACE) : Hear me out guys! Jedinak has been a beast for Palace both last season and this season as well. Australian national team captain Mile Jedinak is the fifth best player in Europe and best in the Barclays Premier League.
Using a detailed scoring matrix, online fantasy football game Oulala has the Crystal Palace skipper behind only la Liga superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette and Montpellier’s Victorino Hilton in terms of performances this season.
Jedinak last season led the Premier League in tackles (133) and interceptions (139). He captained and started every league game for Crystal Palace.
According to whoscored.com Jedinak rated as the 8th best player with a rating of 7.55 (on par with Yaya Toure!). He has a huge frame, standing tall at 1.89 m. His possible drawbacks are that he is already 30 and his lack of pace. But his stats show he makes up for his lack of pace by putting his body on the line. His leadership skills are also pretty obvious as he has been made captain of both club and country. He was a key component in the side that Tony Pulis made wonders with.
Here are some of his stats from 2013/14 season,
INTERCEPTIONS: 3.67
BLOCKS: 0.45
TACKLES WON: 2.71
DEFENSIVE ERRORS: 0.05
AERIAL DUELS WON (%): 69.43
CLEARANCES: 4.12
PASS COMPLETION (%): 72
Just a quick glance at his stats confirms to you why he has been so highly rated by whoscored.com. He also make 0.05 defensive errors per game which is far lesser than the likes of Arteta or Flamini. Given his experience in the league he would not need to settle. Also in a league like the BPL he has a aerial duel win rate of almost 70 percent which shows he is fantastic in the air. But he is used to a more direct style of play with Palace when compared with the short passing route Arsenal follows. But given his experience it would not be hard to change that. Value according to http://www.transfermarkt.com is 4.00 Mill. €. Will be a great signing and can also help to develop the younger players at Arsenal.
2. MORGAN SCHNEIDERLIN (SOUTHAMPTON): A player who was desperate to leave the club following the exodus of star players from Southampton suddenly seems to accept that Saints team now is better than last season. Well who wouldn't? They sit 2nd in the table and have put in some performances (beating Sunderland 8-0) that suggest they very much deserve a top 4 position this season. But given the French connection at Arsenal and the chance to play regular Champions League football we can safely assume Morgan will jump at the chance to change ships. Schneiderlin is not the tallest player at 1.81 m (Suprisingly short given how good in the air he is). But an excellent tackler and he has an eye for a pass as shown with his superb pass completion rate. He was a key player to their fantastic form last season and he seems an even better player this season. His form last season got him called up to the French National team for the World Cup. Given Cabaye's lack of games for PSG this season should Morgan step up to a bigger team this season he will surely take over Cabaye's position in the national team.
Here are some of his stats from 2013/14 season,
INTERCEPTIONS: 2.21
BLOCKS: 0.13
TACKLES WON: 2.83
DEFENSIVE ERRORS: 0.00
AERIAL DUELS WON (%): 61.84
CLEARANCES: 1.69
PASS COMPLETION (%): 89
At the Saints last season he played more of a box-box player with Wanyama as the DM. But after Wanyama suffered injuries Morgan ended up playing DM for those games and he impressed there. Given that the Saints play a similar style to the Gunners it will not be difficult for him to settle at the club should he sign. Being only 24 years old his peak is ahead of him. Signing him would set the team for a good few years. Value according to http://www.transfermarkt.com is 20.00 Mill. €.
3. EUGEN POLANSKI (HOFFENHEIM): The 28 year old Polish international who stands at 1.83 m is a tough tackler and has captained Germany on various youth levels before choosing Poland as the country he wants to represent. He has played in the Bundesliga and La Liga (for Getafe). He has made more than 15 appearances for the national team since making his debut in 2011. An excellent tackler Polanski also has a keen eye for making important interceptions and breaking up oppositions play. Will be easily convinced to join us as Arsenal is a step up from Hoffenheim. Not the fastest player you will find, but one with very high concentration very rarely making any defensive lapses.
Here are some of his stats from 2013/14 season,
INTERCEPTIONS: 2.69
BLOCKS: 0.07
TACKLES WON: 3.23
DEFENSIVE ERRORS: 0.00
AERIAL DUELS WON (%): 61.84
CLEARANCES: 1.18
PASS COMPLETION (%): 77
As can be seen he did not make a single error in defence. He can be rash in his passing but shows a lot of energy to win the ball back. A definite upgrade over Arteta and Flamini and available on the cheap. Value according to http://www.transfermarkt.com is 4.00 Mill. €.
4. LARS BENDER (LEVERKUSEN): An annual target according to media reports the tough tackling Lars is the twin brother of BVB player Sven Bender. Lars has represented Germany on 17 occasions scoring 4 times. An unfortunate injury ruled him out of the World Cup which Germany eventually won. Has a decent height of 1.84 m. Has a great work rate but plays more of a box-box midfielder for Leverkusen. He can play at DM and has done so on many occasions in the past. Not the strongest in the air but does a decent job. He never seems to lose energy and he works so tirelessly on the field. Would help Arsenal's pressing game with his stamina. Would be a fantastic addition to the team. At 24 has many years ahead of him and will settle Arsenal's DM issues for some time.
Here are some of his stats from 2013/14 season,
INTERCEPTIONS: 1.96
BLOCKS: 0.38
TACKLES WON: 3.37
DEFENSIVE ERRORS: 0.04
AERIAL DUELS WON (%): 49.04
CLEARANCES: 2.00
PASS COMPLETION (%): 77
His tirelessness would be a very important aspect to the Arsenal team. Also being a German it will be very easy for him to settle at the club with the ever increasing German influence. Technically very good and since Leverkusen play a similar style to us the transition will not be very hard. Could be the signing we so desperately need!
Value according to http://www.transfermarkt.com is 22.00 Mill. €.
5. MAXIME GONALONS (LYON): Another annual target for us. Gonalons is also an annual target for Napoli! Standing at 1.87 m he is an excellent header of the ball and could play at CB in extreme cases. He has played for the national team on 6 occasions. A leader, Gonalons has captained the Lyon team on many occasions. He is from the famous Lyon academy. He is also an excellent passer of the ball and helps setting his team on counter attacks. Being French joining us would be quiet an easy task. Lyon play a very similar style to us and hence his transition will be simple. Being able to cover at CB gives us another reason to target him as we are short at that position. He is a fan favorite at Lyon and their President has repeatedly told he is not for sale. But money talks in the end and he could be ours for the right type of money. Also knowing our manager Arsene this could very well be our type of signing. He is a no-nonsense type of player and would fit us perfectly. Match made in heaven!
Here are some of his stats from 2013/14 season,
INTERCEPTIONS: 2.43
BLOCKS: 0.08
TACKLES WON: 2.77
DEFENSIVE ERRORS: 0.08
AERIAL DUELS WON (%): 64.56
CLEARANCES: 2.09
PASS COMPLETION (%): 88
Having a high pass completion rate Gonalons shows he could fit in our system perfectly. Also he has a good aerial duel win rate and is good in the air. Could make some defensive mistakes and that should be removed from his game. If done so he could be our long searched replacement for Gilberto Silva.
Value according to http://www.transfermarkt.com is 14.50 Mill. €.
6. VICTOR SANCHEZ (ESPANYOL): When a player is very highly rated at the La Masia academy it speaks wonders for them. Victor Sanchez rose through the famed Barca academy even playing 8 times for the senior team. He was a player who could play RB,DM,CM,CB. A player like that should be present in every team. But it's not just his versatility that shows him as a great player, his work-rate, ball winning ability, passing etc showcases his talent. Rising through as a very talented youngster a lot was expected out of him. But the burden of expectations seemed too hard for him. He left the club ultimately seeming lost. He went to the Swiss league with Xamax and started to regain confidence. He then joint Espanyol, Barca's neighbours during the last minutes of the 2012 winter transfer window. There was no looking back then. A constant figure in the Espanyol team his versatility has proved a burden as he is expected to fulfill many positions and has been unable to settle down in one position. He finally got to play in his favoured midfield role and has showcased that he is starting to prove his potential. With has fantastic work-rate and tenacious ball winning ability Victor Sanchez is a Mascherano mould of DM. Not very great in the air due to his lack of height, he makes up for that with some superb ball winning tackles on the ground.
Here are some of his stats from 2013/14 season,
INTERCEPTIONS: 3.06
BLOCKS: 0.47
TACKLES WON: 4.06
DEFENSIVE ERRORS: 0.03
AERIAL DUELS WON (%): 51.28
CLEARANCES: 2.00
PASS COMPLETION (%): 76
His defensive abilities have been showed in the stats. His tackling rate is much higher than anyone in this list and a player of that ability is needed at Arsenal. He could cover for us in key positions like RB and CB if needed.
Value according to http://www.transfermarkt.com is 3.00 Mill. €. At 3 million he could be the bargain of the century! Precisely the type of player we need and at a very very very cheap rate for his ability.
Now let us take a look at some internal solutions to the team,
1. FRANCIS COQUELIN: Still shocks me that he has not lived up to the potential he showed 2 years back. He was excellent back then covering at RB,LB and DM. He may not be as good technically as Arteta but shows way more energy than him and could be a decent stop gap player and who knows with playing time he could genuinely improve! A look at his stats from the 2012/13 season is bound to shock you all.
INTERCEPTIONS: 5.22
BLOCKS: 0.40
TACKLES WON: 3.21
DEFENSIVE ERRORS: 0.00
AERIAL DUELS WON (%): 60
CLEARANCES: 1.21
PASS COMPLETION (%): 87
Seems like a world class defensive midfielder with those stats doesn't he!? Well calm down people he had played 11 games that season and most as a substitute (224 minutes in total). But none the less it can be seen that he has the ability , may be not the attitude any more. There has to be some reason for dropping him and him not getting game time at Freiburg last season. Anyways would definitely do a better job than Flamini!
2. AARON RAMSEY: Again hear me out! Ramsey's form last season was so good he could have played for any team in the world. But there has been a very radical drop in form this season for our Welsh wonder. He may be missing Giroud who was keen to his play with all the flicks. But it was seen last season along with all the goals he was making some fantastic tackles. He has an excellent range for a pass and seems to have infinite stamina! Well those are key conditions needed for a DM. Of course playing him in that position will curb his attacking instincts. But his attacking play has been poor this season.
Let us have a look at his defensive stats for last season and as to why I am asserting his name in this list and for this position.
INTERCEPTIONS: 1.18
BLOCKS: 0.15
TACKLES WON: 3.32
DEFENSIVE ERRORS: 0.05
AERIAL DUELS WON (%): 33.33
CLEARANCES: 0.87
PASS COMPLETION (%): 84
Well not the best defensive stats are they? But he was playing a more advanced role last season. But none the less he has decent defensive stats and could play there better than the likes or Arteta or Flamini atleast until January where we could sign a better defensive minded player and move him to his more favored role.
3. ISAAC HAYDEN: The Arsenal U-21's captain has impressed when he has played. Very calm and composed on the ball he is a decent passer. Also given his height he is good in the air. He could do a decent job both in CB and DM. But his lack of experience is probably the reason Arsene is resiting playing him. He is very highly rated at the club and unless given first team opportunities sooner rather than later he may end up leaving like other highly rated prospects (Aneke, JET, Lansbury etc). Should be at least sent on loan so he can develop further. Has all the attributes of great player in the making.
4. CALUM CHAMBERS: The young English international has played and impressed at both CB and RB. He has shown a very gauche side by picking up many yellow cards. Should improve that side of his. Arsene himself said in the future he sees him as a DM in the future. Could do a very decent job. But having not played there yet it could be a risk better not worth trying.
His stats this season show he could a decent job though,
INTERCEPTIONS: 2.34
BLOCKS: 0.00
TACKLES WON: 2.78
DEFENSIVE ERRORS: 0.00
AERIAL DUELS WON (%): 61.90
CLEARANCES: 5.71
PASS COMPLETION (%): 87
5. ABOU DIABY: This was to just add another name!! Well jokes aside injuries have ruined this mans career. What a player he could have been. Still like Ledley King could be saved and played against the big teams while Arteta could do a decent job against the smaller ones.