Ask most Arsenal fans and they will say the best summer signing was Mesut Ozil. Seems logical right? On the surface I’d agree to an extent, but it’s important to consider what precipitated the move. Did Arsenal need a creative midfielder? Or more importantly, was a creative midfielder their most pressing concern?
I am positive that most Gooners would agree that the problem Arsenal had was in defending and not being able to hold a lead. Attacking was always a strong part of our game but we always lacked at the back since the days of Patrick Vieira and even Mathieu Flamini’s first go-around with the club. Mathieu Flamini’s second stint with the club has been like a breath of fresh air his transfer.
What cannot be understated is that he has opened the door for Aaron Ramsey to come to the fore. His tack.ing and fighting spirit has been amazing, as he routinely breaks up plays and always looks for the easy pass to ease the pressure. To me he looks a far better player than when he left Arsenal and considering his non-existent price tag, I’m surprised the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool never came in for him.
Don’t get me wrong – I’m over the moon with having Ozil on the team. Who wouldn’t be about one of the finest passers on the planet. My argument isn’t to question who is a better player, but rather which of the two positions were more important to fill. To me Flamini will prove to be the signing of the summer considering his experience, the fact that he filled our biggest need, and the fact that he cost 45million less than Ozil. The competition in the Arsenal midfield will make us a far better side compared to other years with the likes of Serge Gnabry stepping up and it gives food for thought to Theo Walcott.
As good as things look for us, there best several important questions to consider:
- Mikel Arteta is a quality player, but will he get game time when Santi Cazorla comes back ?
- I think Jack Wilshere will suffer as a result of Ozil and Cazorla and Ramsey now as they look in far better form – what will happen to our #10?
But on the plus side, with rotation there shouldn’t be as many injuries.
Arsenal now have what looks on paper to be the best midfield panel since the Invincibles as there is so much depth. Any fan that says we are lacking is living in cloud cuckoo-land. Flamini can do a job anywhere he is asked to – against Napoli he was my Man of the Match, as he again played with out-right intensity from the first whistle to the last. His presence is outstanding for me. Mix him with against any midfield in England, and he fulfills his role as well as any of Yaya Toure, Steven Gerard and Michael Carrick.
If we as a team do well this year, he will be the unsung hero. I know I can’t wait to see his stats over the full season as I don’t think any midfielder will come close especially in tackling stats.
I hope I speak for all arsenal fans. UP THE GOONERS. DO US PROUD !!!!
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