Gary Brown
Arsène Wenger has said on a number of occasions that, for a team to compete for the season, they need two players for every position. Based on this and the 25-man squad we have to register for the Premier League, if another goalkeeper is added (so that there are three), a defender who can play anywhere across the back for is added, and an attacking player who can play in any of the front-four positions is added, we have a squad of 25. So how do Arsenal measure up, and do we really need Rooney, Higuain or for Cesc to come back? This is based on Arsenal's current 4-2-3-1 formation.
Centre Midfield (four)
Mikel Arteta – he is a very important player for us at the moment and for the last two years he has done very well in what is arguably not his best position. However, I feel he isn't quick enough, and there are times our defence lacks protection because he isn't able to get back, or players go past him too quickly. We need someone quicker in this position. However, for me, he is a more than adequate first reserve and could be brought in for certain games to give the first-choice pair a break at crucial moments in the season.
Aaron Ramsey – my dad has been in love with Ramsey forever. I have to say that I have hated Aaron Ramsey as an Arsenal player for a long time. Misplaced passes, can't score, wasted chances, doesn't see the right option many times – and then the second half of last season happened, and he became a player I admire greatly. Maybe it has taken longer than we all though it would since that horrific incident at that rugby club, but in the second half of last season Aaron was one of our stand-out performers. I definitely think it is no coincidence this is happening when he is playing in his best position instead of wide right or even in the hole. Aaron has a tireless engine, is getting better at finding the right pass and even scored against Wigan last year! This coming year could well be his best season for us, and I have no hesitation putting him in as a first-choice centre midfielder.
Abou Diaby – another one my dad and I disgree on – or, should I say, disagreed on. He's hated him and thinks Diaby is useless. I, however look at performances like Anfield away last year and see the potential. The problem is he doesn't seem to be able to play without getting injured. If it wasn't for his injuries, I think we'd have a great player, and playing him instead of Mikel would give us more strength and direct running in the middle. But the injuries are taking their toll, and we need a squad who can play almost all year, not be injured for half of it. I would send him on loan for one year (while he gets fit) and tell him if he can play for a whole season on loan without getting injured, then we would have him the following season, but if he can't play one year without injuries, we have to sell him.
Emmanuel Frimpong – I really like him and so do a lot of fans. However, I am cautious because he was a player showing fight and heart when we had a team which didn't do that and for this reason he stood out. Taking that apart and putting it to the side (though it is important) I don't think he has shown enough to be a first-teamer yet. I would say one year of being on loan (again with no injuries) and then come back and play for us, or sadly it is a reluctant goodbye.
Jack Wilshere – a quality player and, if he can stay fit, he will become unbeatable. I would have him in centre midfiled alongside Aaron, but there is also an option to play him in the hole further forward. I think his tackling and fighting means he is needed in the middle rather than further forward, and he breaks forward anyway. A first-choice player who can play in multiple positions.
Needed – two centre-midfielders, both holding players. I don't know why we haven't bought Fellaini, especially when his preferred position (apparently) is as a holding midfielder. Diamé looks interesting but I'm worried he's another Song and will go forward too much. Having said that, if we bought those two and had Aaron and Jack, I think we'd have four very good central midfielders to choose from and could also open up the idea of a 4-4-2 system.
Wings and in the hole – I've done this as one category since in most cases (with one or two exceptions), the players listed here can play in any of the three positions listed.
Tomas Rosicky – a high-quality player who can be decisive. Staying fit is an issue but the last two seasons he has played important roles. Not one for the future, but no need to replace and whilst his best position is in the hole, can do a job on either flank. A very good squad player to have who can come on and have a positive impact on games.
Santi Cazorla – the most talented player we currently have on the books! Can play with either foot, scores, assists – everything. I do think he goes missing sometimes in some games, and whilst there are exception, he usually plays better when the sun is out than in the winter (I know there are two or three exceptions). Preferably playing in the hole, can play either wing and spent the second half of last year on the left. For me, a first-choice player as playing in the hole.
Ryo Miyaichi – not seen much of him but not overly impressed so far. I think he was bought for marketing rather than football reasons, but that may be a little harsh. I'd say a season or two on loan and then make a decision but definitely not ready this year.
Alex OC – an explosive, exciting player, one of the few who runs at people and shoots outside the box. I thought he should have had more game times last year, but this year I would have him as my first choice left-winger. I know he can play in a number of positions but Lukas seems to have fitness issues (doesn't do 90 minutes) and I think starting with Alex and bringing on Lukas for the left wing in a rotating format could give them both lots of game time and provide us with two good left-wingers.
Lukas Podolski – personally, I don't think Lukas is good enough to lead the line. As a left winger he tracks back and works very hard, giving protection, which is important. He chips in with a number of goals, but he isn't the man to lead the line. He may not like it but I think this is his best position for us, though he can be a “back-up” striker if needed.
Theo Walcott – my dad doesn't rate him; I do. I even have a bet with my bro on this year that Theo will get 25 goals in all competitions (5 up from last year). He is a good player on the right wing and can come inside to create a lopsided 4-2-2-2 as he did from time to time last year. I think if we played 4-4-2 with him and Giroud, we would have a very potent attack (see team below) but based on our current formation, I have to put him as a first- choice right-winger for now – but able to play in the middle against smaller team or if we go 4-4-2.
Needed – with Tomas and Santi being in the hole and the Ox and Theo being out wide, we need a right winger, and someone who play across all the positions. Players like Isla (Udinese), Gaitan (Benfica) look interesting and Hoilet (who we were once after) could be interesting but I don't know if he is good enough yet.
Strikers (two)
Yaya Sanogo – too early to tell and not in my first team squad this season. I'm sure he'll play some games in the league cup and maybe go out on loan, but not one for this year.
Marouane Chamakh – useless. Sell him now!!!!!
Nicklas Bendtner – useless. He's been given plenty of chances, and if someone else was given the chance he had in Barcelona we might have gone through. He should play at the level he is, not what he thinks he is – Championship. Sell him now!!!!
