Arsenal: Joe Willock taking the exact opposite route of Francis Coquelin

Arsenal deployed Joe Willock and Francis Coquelin at the same position, but the two could not be more different, both now and in Coquelin’s earlier days.

Arsenal continue to roll with their back-four successes. Well, relative successes. Regardless, the big test that will make or break this back four is how the midfield can capitalize on the opportunity. The fluidity of the midfield three was on display again as Mohamed Elneny, Francis Coquelin and Joe Willock flowed throughout the middle of the pitch with superb effectiveness.

This was a fantastic chance to see Willock’s progression. He was given plenty of chances early on in the secondary competitions of the Europa League and the Carabao Cup, but when Jack Wilshere returned to health, Willock was relegated.

Now that he is back, and back against better competition no less, there is a certain degree of composure to his play that borders on timidity. He isn’t a wrecker and he certainly isn’t a risk taker.

Which is what may lead to him being the perfect partner of his polar opposite, Francis Coquelin.

Coquelin has always had one major highlight throughout his career. He is aggressive. Not the harmless aggressive, but the oft-reckless, destroy-the-world aggressive. Every slide tackle looks like an attempt on a man’s life and the look in his eyes doesn’t soften that disposition.

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And when he himself is tackled? The man looks like he’s been hit with a stray tomahawk.

There is eccentricities in Coquelin’s game. There is enthusiasm, the likes of which can often get him in trouble. And this goes back to his early days too. This is just the way he plays. There’s no fault in it. It’s just him. He’s a ball winner. Whatever he does from there is anyone’s guess.

Willock is not a destroyer. He is not a menacing presence. He is strong and composed on the ball and will rarely overextend his influence or overstep his boundaries. But that an be just as useful as Coquelin’s bold and brash style.

These two are like good cop bad cop, but in the end, they are quite similar in that they can both win the ball back quite well.

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It will be interesting to see how Willock develops from here. His passiveness will gradually turn into confidence, given the right progression, and if Coquelin can manage to improve his presence on the ball, then this developing, polarizing partnership may be something to watch.

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