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The Gunners have come a long way. There once was a time when the vacancy of positions at Arsenal was a constant threat to the club’s consistency. Now, however, not only does the club have significant depth, but the positions in question face newfound competition within the ranks.
Mikel Arteta has an elite squad of talented players, many of whom are legitimate contenders for first-team action this season. Here are 10 players we think are giving Arteta the right kind of problem this season.
1. Bruno Guimarães
Let’s start with Bruno Guimarães, Arsenal’s big-money summer signing. The Brazilian provides much-needed depth in an area of the pitch that sees the most rotation throughout the season. Guimarães has proved his worth with a stunning goal against Sunderland. While he hasn’t quite earned a starting position in the squad, his tactical approach just might win the favor of Arteta very soon.
2. Viktor Gyökeres
The Swede has struggled to prove his excellence at Arsenal. Sure, he was the club’s top scorer last season, but fans still hope the striker finds the form he seemingly had at Sporting CP. So far this season, Arteta has leaned on Kai Havertz to head up the attack, with Gyökeres coming off the bench for minimal action. That, though, may be coming to an end.
The Swedish striker has scored in the last four international matches, and Havertz may be out with an injury. Now is the best time for the forward to prove he’s not just an accessory with an immaculate hairline.
3. Max Dowman
The youngster proves again and again he is ready for the upper echelon of English football. His effort and technical ability are abated only by his experience in the Premier League. This isn’t a problem for Arteta or Dowman. The solution is simple: Minutes. The young Englishman only
4. Eberechi Eze
The versatile midfielder is a weapon no matter where he plays. With the departure of Martinelli, Eze’s minutes will most likely increase in a supporting role on the left-side wing. Does Eze deserve a starting position in the center of the pitch? There is no denying the midfielder’s technical ability and talent on the ball. That said, it is hard to ignore the work Myles Lewis-Skelly is putting in on the pitch. Until Lewis-Skelly’s form drops or his presence is needed more prevalently on the left wing, Eze will most likely find minutes off the bench.
5. Martín Zubimendi
Zubimendi found himself in a starting position for much of last season, but has been coming off the bench this season. Similar to Eze, the Spaniard finds himself in a more supporting role. There is no denying Zubimendi’s defensive contributions, but he lacks the fluidity his counterparts have in turning defense into attack, a tactic Arteta seems keen on keeping around. Arsenal’s attacking approach this season has been far more direct than in recent years. Zubimendi’s minutes could be increased were he to increase his attacking distribution through the middle of the pitch.
6. Noni Madueke
Madueke's skill on the ball is arguably the best on the team. That said, team tactics and distribution seem to be the driving force in Arsenal’s strategy. Madueke deserves more minutes, especially if he is going to fall into the cadence of Arteta’s new formations. Saka is consistent, no doubt, but his presence on the ball is not as deadly as it once was. This leaves room for both Dowman and Madueke to have their turn on the pitch; moreover, Madueke may get more of the minutes due to his seniority and experience.
7. Piero Hincapié
Though currently injured, the Ecuadorian has quickly risen through the Arsenal ranks. A fan favorite, Hincapié encapsulates pace, physicality, and an attacking prowess most full backs do not possess. The defender missed Ecuador's international matches, and is expected back in the Arsenal squad very soon. When he is back to full health, the contention between him and Califiori will be very tight.
8. Cristhian Mosquera
Another injured defender, Mosquera offers much-needed depth to this Arsenal squad. Arteta has built his success upon the backs of world-class defenders such as William Saliba (injured) and Gabriel Magalhães.
Mosquera, though not as highly regarded as Saliba or Magalhães, is an important part of the Arsenal mechanism. His availability is crucial to the club’s long-term success across all competitions. Additionally, he is a very good defender, and arguably deserves first-team action. It would be worth the quality of the player and success of the team to give Mosquera more minutes when he is healthy.
9. Mikel Merino
Merino is in a similar plight as his countryman, Zubimendi. The Spaniard possesses reliable defending, solid distribution, and a surprising knack for scoring goals. He scored a brace for Spain in their match with Croatia earlier this week.
Considering his recent form and the fact that Arsenal failed to record a goal in their last match, it’s likely that the Spaniard will get more minutes. Will he start above Lewis-Skelly, though? With the Champions League returning next week, fans should expect to see more Merino on the pitch.
10. Myles Lewis-Skelly
Lastly, Myles Lewis-Skelly. The left-back-turned-midfielder is a classic problem for Mikel Arteta. Not only does he act as a utility player for The Gunners, but his quality in the center of the pitch has legitimately earned him first-team play. While he may not have as much experience in the position, it’s clear Arteta wants to give him the chance to grow in that role.
Last season, Lewis-Skelly found minutes off the bench, but it’s clear his quality makes him too valuable for a supporting role. It is highly unlikely that Rice and Ødegaard will start on the bench. Arteta may substitute Lewis-Skelly for someone else only to regain rhythm as the EPL and UCL resume in the coming weeks. Guimarães, Merino, and Zubimendi make plausible replacements.
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