Predicting Arsenal’s team, Defence analysis
Bacary Sagna (Right Back):
The French defender, Sagna became a part of Arsenal in 2007. He was only 24 when he came to join the Gunners and currently he is 27, which is his peak time. He just came back from the FIFA World Cup 2010, as he was included in the French squad and could not perform well for them as they were knocked out in the group stages and came back home after a disappointing run of no victories. Bacary Sagna is a very important man for the Gunners. He is there first-choice right back because of many reasons. The Frenchman has quick feet which help him run back to help his team defend the threats that are made by the other teams, and he can also help his team attack as he can take the ball forward from the right flank to provide perfect and pin-point crosses to the attackers. With players like Van Persie in the squad, such crosses can definitely turn into goals. Arsene Wenger is not going to change his right-back this year round as Sagna is definitely going to be his first choice when the English Premier League starts.
Laurent Koscielny (Centre Back):
Last season, Koscielny’s place was taken by the Arsenal’s number 10, William Gallas, who kept on taking a lot of criticism over his shirt and over his defensive skills. Even though Gallas was also part of the French squad, he did not manage to deliver a lot for the Gunners nor the French team as the club did not manage to win any cup during the previous season and the French team had to return home without a win throughout their short run in the FIFA World Cup 2010. This year round, Arsene Wenger decided to change things as he brought on Koscielny. No one knew much about this defender and he has yet to prove himself in the English side but for now, during the pre-seasons, the Frenchman has shown the fans that he is blessed with immense speed, strength and awareness. The reasons why Arsene Wenger decided to keep him in the team this time round.
Thomas Vermaelen (Centre Back):
He is going to join Koscielny to form a deadly partnership in the defence. Last year, Arsenal were suffering with some defensive issues but this year round, Vermaelen is going to prove himself as Gallas or Campbell are not going to be part of the squad. He is definitely the heart of the defence for Arsenal as he had a terrific season for them in their last campaign. He is tough and difficult to beat. Therefore, he is going to be included in the first team of the English club. Vermaelen is also a young player for the English side as he made his debut last season, and proved himself worthy enough to be included in the starting line-up for the Gunners.
Gael Clichy (Left Back):
Throughout the world, there is a shortage of Left Backs. Currently, there are not many “good” left backs in the world as the teams mainly suffer from that particular side. This maybe the reason, right wingers have become more famous than the left ones, because left backs are pretty easy to beat. Currently, the Chelsea left back Ashley Cole, is considered to be one of the best left backs in the world. If there is another left back who might reach that height at some point of time, it can be Gael Clichy. Even though injuries kept him away from action during the 2009 – 2010 Season, he still managed to impress many during the “little” time that he got on pitch. He has quick feet and can make good runs forward to help the strikers score more goals. Even though he is a first choice for Arsene Wenger, players like Kieran Gibbs and Armand Traore could also be a part of the team.
Tags: