Introduction:

If you ask most people to name their favourite female footballer, they’ll likely mention the stars—Alessia Russo, Leah Williamson, or maybe Aitana Bonmati. There's no denying their talent, but when someone names Lia Wälti or Keira Walsh as their favourite, my attention sharpens.

I've always said that Wälti is one of Arsenal’s most crucial players (and that’s without diminishing the importance of Kim Little). Yet, I often feel she flies under the radar. There are a few reasons for this: she plays for Switzerland, a nation that doesn't get as much attention as some of the top-tier teams, and defensive midfielders rarely get the recognition they deserve, especially when they aren’t on the scoresheet.

But Wälti’s recent return from injury, following a period where I think Arsenal deeply felt her absence, has been nothing short of remarkable. Her first start back came in the must-win clash against BK Häcken, where Arsenal needed to overturn a 1-0 deficit. Wälti not only scored a world-class goal but also delivered a Player of the Match performance in a 4-0 victory that Arsenal dominated.

It’s time to start the conversation about just how pivotal Lia Wälti could be to Arsenal's success this season—assuming she stays fit. Her influence on the pitch is undeniable, and her return might just be the catalyst Arsenal needs to reach new heights.

Player Profile:

Lia Wälti typically operates as a defensive midfielder, often occupying the crucial number 6 role. When Jonas Eidevall was asked about his decision to start Wälti in the second leg against BK Häcken, he explained:

“Not only the long distance shooting! The reason for it was that it is really important in building against Hacken and exploiting them that we had offensive full-backs and investing there, so we needed to balance that out against a strong counter attacking team. We know that Wally is very good at organising our attacks and our defence. It was basically that, Wally’s qualities in organising and the counter pressure.”

For those unfamiliar with football terminology, the number 6 role is typically associated with the defensive midfielder. This player is tasked with breaking up opposition attacks, regaining possession, distributing the ball, and maintaining the team's overall balance.

Before diving into why this role is so crucial for Arsenal, it's important to first assess their current midfield setup.

Arsenal's Midfield Options: A Wealth of Talent or a Tactical Dilemma?

Last season was undoubtedly a breakthrough for Victoria Pelova. She quickly cemented herself as a key player in Arsenal’s starting XI, excelling in the role she was assigned. This left Kyra Cooney-Cross on the bench for much of the season, with fans eager to see her potential. Unfortunately, the heartbreaking news of Pelova’s ACL injury left the midfield trio unsettled once again. As for the number 10 role, that remains an area Jonas Eidevall has yet to fully decide on (but that’s a discussion for another time).

There's no denying that Kyra Cooney-Cross has started the season strongly, and by highlighting Lia Wälti, I’m not suggesting a direct replacement moving forward. In fact, both players bring unique qualities that could be key to Arsenal’s success. With a relentless schedule ahead, mastering squad rotation will be crucial.

Kim Little will also play a pivotal role, but it’s unrealistic to expect her to deliver 90 minutes in every game. So, in matches where Arsenal needs a specific tactical approach, could Wälti be the solution?

Lia Wälti’s Impact:

It's no surprise that the number 6 role is often regarded as one of the most pivotal positions in modern football. When a true number 6 is absent, the void is noticeable. If we examine the key attributes of this position—many of which are embodied by Lia Wälti—we can clearly see how her presence could directly benefit Arsenal and help address some of the vulnerabilities that opposing teams may seek to exploit.

Defensive Coverage & Stability:

A defensive midfielder offers crucial protection for the backline, tasked with breaking up opposition attacks, intercepting passes, and positioning themselves to block counterattacks. Their game-reading ability and anticipation are vital to preventing danger before it reaches the defence, ensuring the team remains defensively secure. This role becomes especially important for Arsenal, whose fast-paced, attacking style often sees their fullbacks pushed high up the pitch. While this adds to their offensive threat, it leaves them vulnerable to counterattacks—something opponents will look to exploit. Having a strong defensive midfielder is key to balancing this risk.

Link-up Play:

The number 6 plays a vital role as the link between defence and attack, seamlessly connecting the various lines of the team. A skilled defensive midfielder has the ability to break lines with precise passing, creating opportunities and space for attacking players. They help structure the team's build-up play, often initiating attacks from deep positions.

As teams increasingly adopt a low block to thwart Arsenal's scoring opportunities—something evident in their recent match against Leicester—finding innovative ways to break down stubborn defences becomes essential. One key strategy is to create and exploit space, effectively catching opponents off guard. Last season, Arsenal faced criticism for their tendency to play the ball backward, which frustrated fans and likely the players as well. This approach contributed to disappointing results, including a draw against Everton, a loss to West Ham, and a defeat in the North London derby.

A quality number 6 not only helps in these situations but also possesses the vision and intelligence to dictate the game’s tempo. Whether slowing down play to maintain possession or accelerating it to capitalise on counterattacks, their decision-making can significantly influence the flow of the match.

Press Resistance:

In today’s game, where pressing has become a prevalent tactic, the ability of a number 6 to withstand pressure and retain possession is invaluable. This player must remain composed on the ball, making quick and intelligent decisions to evade defenders and sustain the team's attacking momentum. Their capacity to navigate tight spaces and maintain control under duress is crucial for transitioning from defence to attack effectively, allowing the team to exploit gaps and create scoring opportunities.

In summary, the number 6 position is essential as it provides balance, structure, and defensive stability while facilitating offensive play. A skilled player in this role can dictate the tempo of the game, safeguard the defence, and maintain team cohesion, making them a cornerstone of modern football strategies.

Conclusion:

As Arsenal gear up to face Everton this afternoon, fans are bracing for “Jonas roulette,” eagerly anticipating his starting lineup. The selection dilemmas extend beyond just the midfield, with the decision between Van Domselaar and Zinsberger also weighing on his mind.

Regardless of whether Lia Wälti starts, her impact on this Arsenal team is undeniable when she is on the pitch. Keeping her fit will be crucial, and I expect she’ll play a significant role throughout the season, especially with rotation strategies in place to help prevent injuries.