Arsenal: Let’s be careful with Sead Kolasinac hype

Sead Kolasinac was predominantly excellent in Arsenal’s win over Bournemouth and has subsequently been hyped up rather substantially. Here’s why we should be a bit careful and not jump to premature conclusions.

For the most part, Sead Kolasinac was excellent on Saturday. In a free-roaming, bombarding role down the left flank, he utilised his seemingly unending stamina to maraud up and down the wing. He was powerful with the ball at his feet, driving forwards with great purpose and intent, and was a consistent outlet to relieve Arsenal of the momentary periods of pressure from a hapless Bournemouth.

Related Story: Arsenal Vs FC Koln: Predicted starting XI

Much of what was good from the Gunners in the 3-0 win came from Kolasinac, either directly with a darting run in behind or neat interplay with Aaron Ramsey or Danny Welbeck, or indirectly with his physical threat commanding attention, thereby creating space for others in central areas.

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

And he has been subsequently hyped up as a result of his attacking potency – his assist for the first goal was a lovely surging run to the byline and clipped cross. But I am here to offer a little caution to the praise. While Kolasinac, primarily, was very good, especially in an attacking sense, there was one particular phase of play that did highlight some concerning traits that must be ironed out if he is to establish himself as one of the more prominent full-backs in the Premier League.

The piece of play I am referring to is shown below. It takes place late in the game with Arsenal down to 10 men after Francis Coquelin’s injury, comfortable with simply seeing out the remaining few minutes thanks to their three-goal lead. You can see the phase of play here:

The first issue is immediate: a loose first touch gifts the ball to Bournemouth deep in Arsenal’s own territory. Allowing pressure from your own mistakes is criminal in the Premier League. Teams will engineer enough chances on their own; they don’t need any given to them.

But after losing the ball poorly, Kolasinac then does not work back into his original position. He meanders back towards goal, lethargically, unaware of the danger, undeterred by the threat that Bournemouth pose. Then comes the second phase of play, which is perhaps even more worrying.

As the cross is cleared, it falls to Jordan Ibe, a sharp and quick winger. Kolasinac is slow to close him down, allowing Ibe to fully get the ball under his control. He then does a cardinal sin of one-on-one defending: he stands square-on. That is criminal, especially against an attacker as fast and shifty as Ibe. The result is Ibe simply shimmies the ball to his right, creates a yard of space for the cross, clips a ball in, which is headed towards goal and ultimately tipped over the bar by Petr Cech. This could have easily been a goal.

Kolasinac should be stood side on, one foot in front of the other, crouched a little and on the balls of feet. That way, he can show him to the outside by placing his front foot to the inside of Ibe, and then spring forward with power and explosion when Ibe is forced down the line. They taught me that as a schoolboy and yet Kolasinac, as a professional footballer, seemingly does not know it.

Next: Arsenal Vs FC Koln: 3 key Gunners to watch

Now, I am being nit-picky of his performance and when pushing forward, he was productive and a threat. But these defensive shortcomings – a loose first touch deep in his own half, laziness in tracking back and poor technique in one-on-one situations – will be exploited by better teams. I shudder to think what Eden Hazard would do to him next Sunday. Hopefully, Kolasinac can iron out these issues, but let’s not jump to hasty conclusions. It is only September, after all.