It was the centre-backs catching the eye in this weekend’s Arsenal loan watch, with seven loanees featuring overall.

Daniel Ballard with Blackpool (Photo via Ballard on Instagram)
Daniel Ballard with Blackpool (Photo via Ballard on Instagram)

On Friday, Joe Willock played 90 minutes for Newcastle United, catching the eye in a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa.

On Saturday, Sead Kolasinac played in midfield for 90 minutes in a 5-0 thrashing by Wolfsburg. Shkodran Mustafi also featured and was at fault for two of the goals Schalke conceded.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles started and played 90 minutes in a 1-0 defeat for West Brom, who are now very much on their last legs in terms of Premier League survival. They sit 10 points behind 17th with nine games left.

Daniel Ballard helped Blackpool keep yet another clean sheet in a 0-0 draw with Fleetwood Town. It was their fourth clean sheet in six games since his return to the team on February 20th. The centre-back won all six of his duels on the day.

Matt Smith came on as a second-half substitute as Charlton Athletic came from behind to draw 1-1 with Shrewsbury Town.

Matteo Guendouzi picked up a pre-match injury to rule him out of Hertha BSC’s defeat to Borussia Dortmund.

On Sunday, William Saliba put in an impressive display to help OGC Nice to a 1-1 draw against Lorient.

Konstantinos Mavropanos also impressed as he helped Stuttgart keep a clean sheet against Hoffenheim in a 2-0 win. He made seven clearances, four interceptions, and blocked two shots.

It was certainly a good weekend for the centre-backs, with Mavropanos, Saliba, and Ballard all performing very well. Maitland-Niles and Willock will also be pleased that they continue to earn valuable Premier League minutes.