Amrit K.N. Pradhan
The return of Francis Coquelin reversed what was beginning to look like a downhill season for Arsenal. Not only did the Laval born midfielder make the position his own, he rejuvenated Le Prof’s shieldless Arsenal. If you give any truck to Theo Walcott’s words to the media recently that, “Arsenal have been the best team in Europe this year,” then Coquelin deserves a lot of credit for that.
Southampton had a big selling spree last summer: Lallana, Lovren, Shaw, Chambers to the Gunners, etc , it looked like the final nail in the coffin would be the departure of Morgan Schneiderlin. But the South Coast club managed to keep their cog. This happened amidst rumours of Schneiderlin following his previous boss to Tottenham or neighbours Arsenal. Credit goes to Koeman and Co for performing so well and giving the big four a run for their money. And Schneiderlin, their commander-in-chief, has taken his game to another level.
Les Reed, Southampton chief told the media recently that “Morgan Schneiderlin will not go to Arsenal”. This clearly shows the Saints are in a tight spot akin to last summer. In the last two months ‘Schneiderlin to Arsenal’ has been on the transfer rumour mill and some even say there is a pre-contract agreement. However Wenger and his men are known for running the show behind iron doors and nothing should be presumed about Schneiderlin to the Arsenal. So today I ask ‘is the French International the right card to strengthen Arsenal’s defensive midfield pack’?
If you analyse from the time Coquelin has come into the side, he is the most prolific defensive midfielder in town. Winning 66% of his headed duels, on his own managing to make 11 interceptions on a rough day away at Turf Moor (a record in PL this season), winning 86% of his take-ons et al.
So let’s analyse how Schneiderlin, a French International fares on a variety of fronts
TACKLES
Season 14/15 (26 appearances) – 79/167 Season 13/14 (33 appearances) – 87/183
47% may not look a high percentage in terms of tackles won. But when we consider Coquelin’s 50% success rate then the picture transforms. Schneiderlin is surely set to pass his previous season tackles stats. The stats show progression and the rapid speed at which PL is played. Schneiderlin has constantly spruced up his tackling game to meet the high standards of English football. In his 26 appearances in the PL this season (incl. 2 sub) Schneiderlin has six yellow cards and one red card. It is an integral part of a defensive midfielder’s game… remember Coquelin’s yellow vs Chelsea recently. He has a good discipline level and it also gives light to his calmness and decision-making. Remember that the French dynamo joined the Saints in 2008 (then in Championship) from (now defunct) French side RC Strasbourg. This shows the progress he has made.
TAKE ONS
2014/15 – 16/22 2013/14 – 21/36
Again if you see the improvement is remarkable. Just tells you why the likes of Barcelona and P$G … and Le Prof are interested in him. If you again compare these with Coquelin, Schneiderlin’s stats are on par with the Gunner. To add to his virtuoso presence in the midfield, he also averages pass accuracy of 89%. This would certainly please all the Arsenal way fans. He also has scored four goals this season. And he has scored them at important stages, away to West Ham being the one which shines in my mind. He scored to make it 1-1, then again scored later on to make it 1-2. Saints won that day 1-3.
HEADED DUELS
2014/15 – 43/95 2013/14 - 47/76
At 1.81 m or 5ft 9 inches Schneiderlin adds a mixture of pace and physical attributes to his team. Arsenal have often been accused of being weak at defending set-pieces. His physicality would wipe off some of those physicality woes. He has won almost 50% of his headed duels which is no mean feat when you have the likes of Fuzzy Fellaini, Nagging Costa and so on. Coquelin, in eight less appearances (18) has won 66% of his headed duels. Schneiderlin also takes long free kicks for Southampton which would make Giroud, Per and Bosscielny’s eyes twinkle. You have to say in short free kicks the Gunners have ammunition, but longer and they seem to lack it. Schneiderlin’s average pass length has been also impressive at 19m. Coquelin’s average passing length is a little less at 14m, though he is improving match by match.
VERDICT
A French International at a healthy age of 26 with an eye for playing on Wednesdays regularly is the perfect fit for Wenger & Co. He would add steel to the team and also some much needed experience. "In August, I wanted to progress my career but the club had let too many players go to sell me. Since then, I have had talks with the directors and I want to play at a higher level. It is important, at 25 years old, to finally play in the Champions League. At the end of the season, Southampton can qualify for the Champions League and I can also stay – who knows. But I no longer want to be in front of my TV every Tuesday and Wednesday." Schneiderlin told this to media in April.
He would add solidarity to the team and would be expected to fall into place quickly into the Arsenal setup. A bid of around £25 million should help Arsenal to establish a French ‘DuoShield’. Sign him up!
