Arsenal: Walcott, Mustafi Shake Up Top 10 Player Power Rankings

2. Shkodran Mustafi

I do not think it is at all out of line to think that Mustafi’s quick acclimation into this defense has been a major part of the success we now find. Arsenal’s defense without Mustafi (last year) had zero consistency. Koscielny could not find a reliable partner and it led to nerves galore from onlookers and from team mates alike, no doubt.

Now that Mustafi has arrived, the nerves are gone. There is very little doubt in my mind that Mustafi and Koscielny can handle whatever comes at them. The only reason that Mustafi is this high up and Koscielny is two spots down is that Mustafi is clearly the difference maker. He is the final piece of the defensive puzzle.

His athleticism is equal to that of Koscielny, which is saying something. Numbers alone paint a revealing picture as well. The German is averaging just under four tackles and interceptions per match. How’s that for defensive versatility?

It’s clearly a partnership that will be incredibly exciting to watch in the years to come.