Karim Bellarabi is a reported transfer target for Arsenal, but the question remains ‘can really make an impact in the Premier League?’
Overview
Karim Bellarabi is a transfer target for Arsenal and Everton according to recent reports from Germany and the Premier League clubs are prepared to pay around €25-30m for the winger.
The 27-year-old missed more than 20 games last season due to injuries, his biggest coming last December when he suffered a torn muscle. He still managed to participate in 19 games and score four goals and assist another six.
Bellarabi joined Bayer Leverkusen in 2011 on a free transfer and has went on to become one of the best players of the club and has also made his first international appearance for Germany in 2014.
Style and strengths
The player is at his best when playing as a right winger but he has enough quality and adaptability, as well as tactical awareness, to play in all forward roles from left to right wing and as an attacking midfielder or a shadow striker.
He has great technique and a great feel for the ball and his dribbling skills are one of the best in Bundesliga. He often makes use of his skills and pace to break past opponents in counter-attacks.
He is a threat for the opposition’s goal when on the ball and the player often looks to make a breaking pass or even take a shot himself.
Last season in the Bundesliga, when he definitely wasn’t at his best, he created an average of 1.13 chances with 0.75 key passes per game, while also taking 2.19 shots on goal.
Weaknesses
Bellarabi’s passing can sometimes lack precision and the player would need to work on his 73% passing rate if he were to join a more possession-oriented side like Arsenal.
His ability in aerial duels could also be better as he wins less than 28% of them, and for a player of 6ft, that number should be higher.
Other than that and his most recent injury problems, Bellarabi is a quality player and doesn’t have any significant weaknesses.
Would he fit in at Arsenal?
The 27-year-old has plenty of experience and is hitting his prime years. If he can step up his game just a little and improve his passing and keeping possession, then yes, he could definitely play a part in the current Arsenal squad.
Bellarabi is not a player of the highest quality, and there are better than him around, but he would be a valuable asset and his versatility allows him to adapt to any position he is deployed in.
His last season can’t be used as a real measure for his abilities as the player can offer a lot more than four goals and six assists per-season.
Everton are very interested in the player and with Arsenal looking at other options like Lemar and Mahrez, it is most likely that the Toffees will try and get the deal done quickly to avoid having to battle it out with a more attractive opponent.
Assists & skills
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXIwF6jni2w