Arsenal: Mustafi And Koscielny Make World Class Pairing

Arsenal’s impending transfer for Shkodran Mustafi and pairing him with Laurent Koscielny would create a truly world class centre-half partnership.

Centre-half has been a position of weakness for many years. In fact, while many may argue that the partnership of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny was productive – which it was, but was never a title-winning partnership – not since the days of Sol Campbell and Kolo Toure over a decade ago have Arsenal boasted a central duo of outstanding quality.

Related Story: Arsenal Vs. Watford: Predicted Starting XI

Defensively, Arsenal have continually struggled, especially on the break. Much of this can be assigned to an attacking, care-free system that Arsene Wenger employs, but also, some of the blame must be laid at the doorstep of the two centre-halves, particularly Mertesacker, who notoriously struggles with pace.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 observations from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park

Such issues, though, have clearly been noted by Wenger this summer – though it perhaps took injuries to Gabriel Paulista and Mertesacker himself to provide motivation to ever act on such observations – and this summer, he addressed the weaknesses in the squad with the impending addition of Shkodran Mustafi.

Om Friday, Mustafi reportedly arrived in North London to have a medical and complete a possible £35 million deal. After a long summer of continual disappointments, it is a welcome piece of good news, but how good could the defence now become with Mustafi alongside Koscielny?

Laurent Koscielny is extremely aggressive in his style. He presses high up the pitch, tries to pinch the ball in front of the attackers and often sets up attacks with such a high recovery of possession. The issue comes when he misjudges his efforts. In pushing up, he often leaves vast amount of space in behind, and if he does not win the ball back, then that space can be easily exploited.

Mustafi is the perfect player alongside Koscielny. He is much more a sweeper type player, often standing off attackers and utilising his impressive pace to cover much of the space in behind the defence. Combining a ball-winning Koscielny with a covering Mustafi makes for a formidable pair.

Next: Arsenal Vs. Watford: Crunching The Numbers

The German international, while not worth the reported £35 million, is still an excellent and astute addition, and for more than just his talent. He fits into Arsenal’s style seamlessly with his ability on the ball and compliments Koscielny excellently without the ball. The two together could make for a truly world class centre-half partnership.