If Ivan Gazidis is to make good on the change he promised this summer, then Arsenal must aim to improve the weakest areas of their team – at this point in time, that would be central midfield.
Asier Illarramendi – the army brat
The first candidate, who has earned glowing reports from Spain, is Asier Illarramendi.
Although he is similar in height to Coquelin, the Spanish midfielder is an excellent reader of the game. He interprets the play in front of him and has a robust nature to his style of play – often at juxtaposition to those around him. After two seasons with Real Madrid, Illarramendi returned to Real Sociedad, where he has excelled in centre midfield.
He is intelligent on the ball, attracts fouls with his close control and completes an impressive 3.1 tackles per game. His discipline and positioning sees him achieve a notable 3.5 interceptions a game. Against teams like Manchester City who utilise David Silva and Kevin de Bruyne’s superb passing range and Liverpool, who employ a high press, his attributes could be extremely convenient for Wenger to call upon.
His style seems regimented – as if he has been an army brat all his life, having to call his father ‘sir’ and ensure that he can see his own face in the sheen of his boots. The discipline he exerts on the opposition seems to be heeded by his own teammates, who often look to him in times of need.
One possible downside to the midfielder is his inclination to see the red mist. In 33 appearances, he was booked 13 times. Sometimes as a result of a smart foul, occasionally as a result of impertinence. His corporal father would be disappointed.
With concerns over Xhaka’s disciplinary record – although the Swiss midfielder’s record this season has been quite good despite what the media would have you believe, the presence of another midfielder who falls foul of the referee could be disruptive in the long term.
Rather surprisingly, the Spaniard has a disappointing pass completion rate – even falling behind Francis Coquelin. Given that he only attempts, on average 69 passes per game, to complete only 84% of them may rule him out of Wenger’s consideration.
The Spaniard is clearly ambitious – evident by his transfer to Real Madrid at a young age. He will not remain at Sociedad for long. Despite moving back to his home town club, the aspiration must be to play for an elite club.
If Arsenal wished to add a disciplined midfielder, they should act quickly. It’s only a matter of time before this army brat moves town.