Arsenal: ‘Massive’ Sead Kolasinac brings something new and different

Per Mertesacker has described Sead Kolasinac as ‘massive’, hailing the physical presence that he brings. The new signing is different to what Arsenal have traditionally bought and it is extremely beneficial.

Arsenal have made two signings so far this summer window. The most impactful and significant of these was the club-record addition of Alexandre Lacazette, signed for £52 million and thrust with the rather long-awaited and painfully substantial expectation of filling the shoes of Robin van Persie after his controversial 2012 exit.

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Ever since that time, the Gunners have lacked a clinical goalscorer to lead the line. Now they have one. However, while it may be Lacazette who garners the headlines thanks to the price paid and the position he plays, it is Sead Kolasinac, the other acquisition, who offers a more unique and different aspect to an often one-dimensional and all too similar Arsenal squad.

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Kolasinac is massive. That is as much a fact as it is an opinion. Standing at a little over six foot, weighing over 80 kg, the Bosnian defender is as stocky as he is tall. He is brutally strong, especially in the tackle, is full or brawn and muscle, powering his way forwards in a marauding wing-back role and bullying his way to defensive solidarity.

It is also a statement that has been supported by club captain Per Mertesacker. Speaking after Arsenal’s impressive 5-2 win over Benfica on Saturday in the Emirates cup, Mertesacker was keen to point out the physical and athletic traits that Kolasinac has, highlighting both his size and his speed:

"“He is a presence! He fits well into this team. He’s a great character. His physique, yeah he’s massive but also quick. Even going forward he looks comfortable, but he can play a deeper role in that back three because he’s got that tactical education from Germany. You can feel that in training. Going forward he plays the clear pass but is still dangerous.”"

A player like Kolasinac is not the usual Arsene Wenger signing. He relies on his toughness, not his technique; his tactical nous, not his touch; his power, not his precision and panache. This is a player who is an athlete first, and perhaps a footballer second.

That is not to say that he is lacking with the ball at his feet. He is a decent crosser of the ball, he is an astute tackler and is positionally intelligent. But, rather than lead with these attributes, his game rests on his physical and athletic traits to find success.

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For Arsenal, that is extremely different and extremely unusual. He showed off such skills in the win over Benfica, relentlessly bombing up and down the left flank in a powerful and energetic display. It was a breath of fresh air and he will continue to be so throughout the coming season.