Arsenal: Sead Kolasinac the bargain of the summer

Sead Kolasinac continued to prove his quality with a brilliant performance against Swansea City on Saturday. The Arsenal full-back might well be the bargain of the summer.

When Arsenal signed Sead Kolasinac on a free transfer in the summer window, it was hoped that they had been able to acquire a solid option at left-back. The former Schalke defender was not an especially big name. He did not have a high profile. There did not seem to be intense competition for his signature, though Arsene Wenger was oddly keen to act swiftly in completing the deal. And he, obviously, did not command a substantial fee or huge wages.

Related Story: Arsenal Vs Swansea City: Player ratings

There was a sense of hope for his first season in North London. Expectations were low, given the lack of risk made in investing in his services. But there was a degree of positivity surrounding his signing. And, just 10 games into his Gunners’ career, the early signs are extremely positive.

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

Kolasinac, playing primarily at left wing-back in the 3-4-3 system that Wenger has implemented this season, has forged his success, predominantly, through brute power and force. Not only is he extremely strong, in stature, size and challenge, but he is deceptively quick, meaning that he bulldozes his way up and down the flank with real surges of overawing athleticism.

And Kolasinac’s impressive start came to the fore in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Swansea City on Saturday. In a drab and dreary first half, Kolasinac was the primary threat for the Gunners, with Granit Xhaka finding him in space on several raking, long-range passes. But without much help from his teammates, Swansea were difficult to break down.

In the second half, though, Kolasinac’s attacking potency delivered wholeheartedly. He scored his second goal of his Arsenal career, thumping home the loose ball into the far corner with a powerful, lashed finish.

Perhaps more impressively, though, was his assist for the second goal. Xhaka again found him in space with a play-switching pass from deep in midfield, Kolasinac chested the ball under his control, took his time, before, cleverly, cutting the cross back, right into the path of Aaron Ramsey who calmly planted the finish into the bottom corner.

What was so impressive about this piece of play was Kolasinac’s vision, intelligence and then decision making. For a player built on physical power, he showcased a surprising amount of finesse and guile to create the opportunity for Ramsey.

Next: Arsenal Vs Swansea City: 5 things we learned

And Wenger found all this for free. He has made many great signings throughout his time in North London, most of which have been on the cheap. But Kolasinac is quickly establishing himself as one of the better ones. He might well be the bargain of the summer.