Arsenal: Sead Kolasinac produces, so feed the beast

Sead Kolasinac may be Arsenal’s most under-utilized attacking threats. So why not unleash the beast and let him attack more?

Sead Kolasinac‘s career as a Gunner started off with a bang. His first competitive appearance came in the form of a Community Shield substitute appearance where he endeared himself to the Arsenal faithful with a late headed goal to equalize, and ultimately bringing Arsenal the first trophy of the season. Since then he has continued to put forth consistent, solid performances on both sides of the ball.

Aside from missing a handful of matches, due to an inexplicable decision to sit him in favor of Ainsley Maitland-Niles, he has hardly had a blemish to his first season in the Premier League. However, there’s been a subtle change to his game since his arrival in the summer. Most notably is his relationship with Alexis Sanchez.

For better or worse, Kolasinac defers to Sanchez in almost every attacking move. While it is not uncommon for an industrious left back to give the ball to their superstar forward, there are times when Kolasinac seems to sell his own ability short.

The two linked up particularly well in Thursday’s game at Crystal Palace with some spectacular interchange and overlapping play. One moment in the second half comes to mind where Kolasinac’s simple layoff to Sanchez resulted in a pinpoint cross to Bellerin, who did poorly not to finish the chance.

There’s no arguing the effectiveness of the decision to defer to Sanchez in this particular instance, but on other occasions, one can’t help but think Kolasinac would be better off playing positively, pushing the ball towards the endline and firing in a cross.

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When Kolasinac picks up the ball in the final third he’s often the widest player on the field. In this position he receives the ball facing upfield with room to run. Simultaneously, Sanchez drifts centrally, attracting the attention of one or more defenders. But rather than use his speed and strength to win his 1 v 1 and get in a dangerous position, Kolasinac will play a square or backwards ball to a marked Sanchez.

What happens next is so predictable. You know it, I know it, and the defenders who studied hours of film know it. Sanchez moves across the pitch from left to right, putting the ball on his favored right foot, and drags the entire defense with him.

Typically this turns into a square ball around the midfield, a shot, or a cross to the far post. But every so often Sanchez will play a reverse ball to Kolasinac who finds himself behind the back line, in an ideal position to fire a ball into the box. When this happens Arsenal look their best. Case and point, Kolasinac is third on the team in assists with four in the league.

Next: 5 Things Learned Against Crystal Palace

The relationship between the two left-sided players oozes potential. Alexis poses his own threat down the left, but imagine the additional trouble a high-flying Kolasinac would do to opposing right backs. So, whether it be bypassing the square ball to Sanchez altogether or rehearsing that deadly reverse ball, I want to see more variety down the left in the form of a more direct playing Kolasinac. Let him attack more… Feed the beast!

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