Squad depth benefits
For the three central defensive positions, we ostensibly had Monreal, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Holding and Gabriel last year, with Monreal also needed for the left wing back role. This year, we have added Kolasinac and Elneny as players who can do a job in the back three, but also cover left wing-back and central midfield respectively.
The more versatility in the squad, the better cover you have for injuries and suspensions in a smaller number of bodies.
Some clubs throw money around to try to maintain two top quality players for each position, but by building a squad with versatility, we can get that quality cover without sacrificing too much on cash or player happiness.
It’s a little like how the Ox is important cover for us in the attacking half of the pitch, but we’re trying to keep him happy with some game time at wingback.
That’s not to decry Elneny’s potential in the position either.
Admittedly things looked a bit shaky in the first game of preseason, when his unfamiliarity with the position wasn’t helped by the calamity jane performance of Ainsley Maitland-Niles alongside him. Vast improvement was needed, but also delivered, in the game against Western Sydney Wanderers.
Our Egyptian demonstrated he has the legs, the reading of the game and the tackling ability to thrive at centre back. He’s reasonably quick, light on his feet, and has the technical solidity to comfortably tidy up as the most central of the three defenders. And obviously, he’s clearly comfortable both carrying the ball and distributing it forwards.
Finally, there was a timely reminder of his ability to step forward and shoot on sight.
Remember the early days of Thomas Vermaelen, taking a few strides towards the opposition backline and then unleashing a screamer? A converted Elneny could be the reincarnation of the Belgian before he began to spend more time with the club doctor than the first team.
There are many reasons why Arsene might have chosen to convert Mohamed Elneny to centre back this season – for the good of the player, the defence and the attack – but the real test will be whether he believes in it enough to play the man there in tougher games to come.
The early indications suggest it might well deserve it.