We won't win games if he doesn't play.
I miss him.
It’s actually a disgrace how clear he is of our other midfielders when fit.Even just because of the profile of players alone. All 4 of our other midfield options although varying in quality and attributes are all more on the side of a 6 than an 8 even if Lokonga is sort of mixture they're all better in that deeper role. It's pretty ridiculous that we don't have anything anywhere similar to Partey or at least someone who's a definite 8.
But also in terms of quality he just offers so much more, far more crispness and directness with his passing, can carrying the ball further up the pitch, is quicker, stronger and more rounded.
I miss him.
This actually makes sense. CleanCutGentleman Arsène x DirtyScumbagRaul would have been a match made in heaven.Honestly feel if we could have convinced Arsène to work with Raul, it would have been a dream pairing...would have been a great balance.
Raul's ability to get deals done, plus Arsène's ability to spot talent...would have been like having David Dein back at the club.
Wenger would have probably kept Raul in check more, while Raul would have taken the pressure away from Wenger...not sure they would have wanted to work together, but if it did happen, Arsenal would be back to being an elite club!
Saka should play in midfield, he doesn’t have the end product to play in forward roles but is good at moving the ball up the pitch from deep.Even just because of the profile of players alone. All 4 of our other midfield options although varying in quality and attributes are all more on the side of a 6 than an 8 even if Lokonga is sort of mixture they're all better in that deeper role. It's pretty ridiculous that we don't have anything anywhere similar to Partey or at least someone who's a definite 8.
But also in terms of quality he just offers so much more, far more crispness and directness with his passing, can carrying the ball further up the pitch, is quicker, stronger and more rounded.
Saka’s gonna become our black Iniesta.Saka should play in midfield, he doesn’t have the end product to play in forward roles but is good at moving the ball up the pitch from deep.
I just see that as a waste of a forward position, you want all your front 3/4 to score and assist. Saka’s is great at receiving the ball turning and moving up the pitch which would suit so well with CBs and GKs trying to pass out from the back and he can break up play. He could be our own Kante rather than Torreira.Saka’s gonna become our black Iniesta.
Jokes aside I think that central-winger position that Di Maria made famous is the best role for Saka. He kind of played it yesterday as we basically let Tierney own the left side and Saka comes inside anyway.
Arteta might actually know some football. Just some.
Exactly, that's even his best attribute. He brings so much stability and control but people like @Mitch were saying he's average because he gave some bad passes.Not just about his quality on the ball, but what he adds off the ball too. By far the best midfielder on the team, a complete mid too.
Midfield was 10 times better with him in it. And that's not even a slight on Lokonga (or AMN for that matter). Immediately had that air of security and quality. Lokonga should be partnering Partey as soon as he's properly fit. That's gonna be our best pairing this season 100%.
David Dein comparison is a good one actually. I think they would have got on well - Arsène had a bit of a dark side but also had values and didn't want to get his hands dirty. I think the rose tinted narrative on Dein forgets how ruthless (and a little shady) he could be sometimes. Reckon Raul and Arsène would have got on well... except for player valuations maybe!!Honestly feel if we could have convinced Arsène to work with Raul, it would have been a dream pairing...would have been a great balance.
Raul's ability to get deals done, plus Arsène's ability to spot talent...would have been like having David Dein back at the club.
Wenger would have probably kept Raul in check more, while Raul would have taken the pressure away from Wenger...not sure they would have wanted to work together, but if it did happen, Arsenal would be back to being an elite club!
Most people do not see this. He closes down opportunities by anticipating passing lanes.Not just about his quality on the ball, but what he adds off the ball too. By far the best midfielder on the team, a complete mid too.