Arsenal: Sead Kolasinac brings much-needed changing attitude

Arsenal have announced their first signing of the summer: Sead Kolasinac. The left-back, though, is not built in the stereotypical Arsene Wenger mould, and suggests a much-needed change in attitude.

Along with many issues that have plagued Arsenal’s quest for success, the blinkered make-up of their squad has been as significant as any other. Arsene Wenger has an extremely entrenched way of playing, and he unwaveringly builds his team as a result of these principles.

Related Story: Arsenal: 3 takeaways from rumoured Alexandre Lacazette bid

One of these principles is the desire to play attacking, attractive football. The players that he has signed and developed in midfield areas are prime examples of Wenger’s insistence on playing with flair and creativity.

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

He shifted Mikel Arteta, a slight, technical player from an attacking midfield role into an anchorman position. He tutored Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey with a desire to attack, negating the need to be defensively sound in a box-to-box role. He signed Tomas Rosicky, Alexandr Hleb, Samir Nasri, Cesc Fabregas, Santi Cazorla et al. for their skill on the ball, their technical abilities and their attacking prowess.

That is why the signing of Sead Kolasinac is uncharacteristic and unusual. While he does have the first touch and the passing ability to deal with the demands that Wenger will place on him, his primary asset is not based on technical or creative talents. Rather, he is an athletic monster – he often tops the running charts at Schalke as a result of his excellent stamina. He is extremely strong and powerful, especially in the tackle and in defensive areas, and has a burst to surge past players when making overlapping runs.

His style, though, is not what Wenger would usually sign. Wenger, especially in his full-backs, has always looked for players who have the ability to contribute in attacking areas, whether it be through their dribbling skill, their end-product or their nous and guile in their runs of off the ball.

Kolasinac does not contribute thanks to those attributes, however. His game is based on his toughness, his resilience and perseverance, both in his defending and in his attacking. That is not to say that he is unproductive or wasteful, but rather, he plays in a different manner to the players that Wenger would usually pursue.

Next: Arsenal: 3 Hector Bellerin replacements

The signing of Kolasinac indicates a change in attitude from Wenger that has been much-needed for some time. The team’s lack of fortitude and physical power has seen them falter in the past. Let’s hope that Kolasinac brings a new style.