Arsenal: Shkodran Mustafi Streak No Mere Coincidence

Arsenal are undefeated so long as Shkodran Mustafi is in the starting XI. That is no mere coincidence and it’s easy to see why.

Arsenal brought in Shkodran Mustafi and many called it a panic buy. How could you spend £5m more than Mats Hummels cost on a guy with a far less proven pedigree?

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Well, it’s being proven why in multiple formats.

First of all, it needs to be said that despite Per Mertesacker’s decreasing pace, it was not an easy position to fill. Mertescielny had established itself as a potent pairing and arguably the best in England.

However, Mustafi’s arrival has created Kostafi, which is undefeated and is the best pairing in England.

How? Let’s get to it.

Mustafi and Koscielny are interchangeable. They both boast the athleticism to push forward, make long distance recoveries, and perform proactive and reactive defensive endeavors. Mertescielny didn’t have that. Koscielny was proactive, Mertesacker was reactive. There was no changing that and it could leave one or the other stranded, mainly Mertesacker.

It’s all in the numbers. So far this year, Mustafi is averaging 3.6 aerials won, 2.3 tackles and 3.2 interceptions per appearance. That is better than Mertesacker’s numbers have ever been in all of his time in North London. Yes, even in the aerial department.

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I bring up the comparison to Mats Hummels because I was truly baffled why Wenger wouldn’t even make a bid on the German superstar, but instead settled to pay more for someone less proven.

Well, again, let’s go to the numbers.

In the very top-heavy Bundesliga, where Bayern Munich are kindly referred to as the evil empire, Mats Hummels is averaging just 1.6 tackles and 2.6 interceptions per match. Yes, even less than what Mustafi is pulling in in the greatest footballing league in the world.

It is no coincidence that Arsenal are undefeated with Mustafi. This is no fluke. We already had the best defender in England with Koscielny, but having a partner with the capabilities Mustafi has not only brings about the boon of having that fantastic second defender, it also allows Koscielny the freedom to utilize all of his abilities – which he does.

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At just 24 years old, Mustafi is the real deal and he could be here for a long time, if both parties so desire it. His undoubted versatility is only going to allow for more growing room also, as he maximizes his potential for his new home.