Arsenal: Daley Blind Just A Poor Man's Krychowiak

Arsenal is supposedly in the market for a multipurpose defender, but is Daley Blind really the best option when Gregorz Krychowiak is still out there?

With Jose Mourinho coming to Manchester United, the vultures are swarming to pick up the scraps that ‘The Special One’ offloads. Namely Juan Mata. But apparently Arsenal are eyeing up the Dutchman, Daley Blind.

Blind was a part of Louis van Gaal’s Dutch infusion when he first came to Trafford. Naturally, Mourinho may see things differently.

Blind is one of the few United players that I see value in from an Arsenal standpoint. His versatility would make him valuable just about anywhere. He puts up solid defensive numbers wherever he plays and the fact that he started all 35 of his appearances with Manchester United this past season should be proof enough that he fits in wherever he is needed.

While he doesn’t contribute much on the offensive end, that is not what Arsenal is in the market for. They got Granit Xhaka to be a little added help offensively in the midfield. Plus, they have Francis Coquelin if they ever need anything wholly defensive in the center of the pitch.

That being said, if Arsenal truly is pursuing Blind because of his defensive versatility, then I’m a bit confused. Sure, he is an athletic guy, just 26 years old, and he plays three different positions, but so too does Gregorz Krychoiwiak of Sevilla.

Born just two months apart, the Polish bruiser has a much sturdier defensive resume. He averages twice the interceptions as Blind while still maintaining the same versatility. Krychowiak plays defensive midfield, center back and right back. Each one he plays with the same amount of passion and ability.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

I refer to Krychowiak as a tank because of his size, which is another area he trumps Blind in. Arsenal should always be in the market for more physicality and Blind does not provide it. Krychowiak obviously does. He is an aerial menace along with being a defensive stalwart. He averages four times the aerial duels won as Daley Blind.

I had all but written off the possibility of Arsene Wenger signing a multi-purpose defender like Blind or Krychowiak, but if they truly are after Blind, they might as well just up their own ante and shell out for the Pole. He may cost twice as much, but you’re getting twice the defensive specimen.

Granted, comparing La Liga to the Premier League is like comparing an apple to a pear. They aren’t the same. That being said, they are still fruit, and this is still football. It’s not that different when the ability in question is so obvious.

Next: Arsenal Should Be Happy Without N'Golo Kante

Krychowiak has even acknowledged that he is probably nearing the end of the road with Sevilla. He wants to go somewhere where he can continue to develop his game and improve as an individual. There are few places better than Arsenal, who guarantee Champions League football and continued relevance in all competitions.

Home/Arsenal Transfer Rumours

Arsenal: Daley Blind Just A Poor Man’s Krychowiak

By Josh Sippie | Jun 20, 2016

Arsenal is supposedly in the market for a multipurpose defender, but is Daley Blind really the best option when Gregorz Krychowiak is still out there?

More from Pain in the Arsenal