Arsenal: Shkodran Mustafi Winning Ultimate Participation Prize

Arsenal hasn’t had a lot of sustained momentum this year, but if there is anyone who has never taken his foot off the gas, it is Shkodran Mustafi.

Arsenal syndrome has kicked in again and the Gunners are underwhelming, just when you thought they had turned the corner. Only this time, it is worse than ever, as the club is plummeting towards midtable and a mass exodus appears to be on the cards.

The lack of enthusiasm is apparent on the pitch, and not just from Mesut Ozil. In fact, not from him at all, because he can’t get healthy enough to play. That lack of enthusiasm has spread across the team as they can’t seem to pull results from anyone.

Jens Lehmann has spoken up about it, criticizing the mentality of both Alexis and Ozil and doubting whether they are actually “big” players or not, given their pouty faces and their impetuous attitudes.

But Lehmann also highlighted Shkodran Mustafi in his criticism. While he did wonder if what Mustafi was doing was enough on the pitch, the one thing he did not doubt is that the German defender is absolutely giving his all, all the time.

And that raises a really good point. A sad point, but a good one. Who can we look at on the club and affirmatively say that they have given it their all more times than not? Certainly just about no one in the attack. The midfield has been pretty shaky as well, with pouting and loafing being seen pretty often.

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But on the defense, with Mustafi and also with Laurent Koscielny , we see two guys that don’t slack. They are constantly busting their tail to stay on top of the game and they are even looking for opportunities to get forward and attack. They have had their gaffs just like anyone else, but again, just like anyone else, that happens.

What you can say about them is that, through the gaffs and the slip-ups, the yellow cards and the goals surrendered, they are busting it for the duration of the game. Mustafi, especially, is always barking orders, chatting with the refs or directing play.

Which is nice to see. We did a lot of exploration earlier in the season about who on this team could possible be a leader and Mustafi stood out next to Granit Xhaka.

Next: 10 Reasons Wenger's One More Year Makes Sense

Here we are, in the depths of despair, and honestly, Mustafi’s merit as a leader hasn’t deteriorated. Give him some more time in that defense and he will be a captain.