Arsenal: Rotation system to fix midfield problems?

Arsenal’s acquisition of Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka has been widely questioned following issues of discipline and quality. Is this where a rotational system comes into play?

For over a decade, Arsenal have been lacking a commanding presence in the midfield, an all-rounder capable of creating and destroying play almost simultaneously. Players such as Santi Cazorla, Mikel Arteta and Francis Coquelin have all had their shortcomings in one department or another and all have remained in the enormous shadow of Patrick Viera.

Leon Goretzka has been touted as one of Europe’s brightest young midfielders and has been linked with a move to Arsenal via pre-contract agreement. However, should he come to the Emirates, we will still have to wait next season to see his mettle.

So it makes sense that Arsenal would want to capitalise on current players and get the very best out of them for a better finish at the end of the season to persuade him with the prospect of playing Champions League football.

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Arsene Wenger‘s midfield two, either in the 4-2-3-1 or the 3-5-2 have spoiled their overall performance. Granit Xhaka especially has been poor in this system when he is pressed and has no time on the ball, easily exploited against teams with high pressing lines, such as Liverpool and Chelsea.

In his defense, when he does have time on the ball, he can pick out a long pass like no other, and his long shot technique is excellent, and can come in handy especially against teams that like to sit back. However, the lack of fast thinking, action and concentration when pressed that makes him a liability, especially when playing in his CDM role. It also makes it hard to pick out the many runs of Alexandre Lacazette, leading to his inevitable drought.

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Recently, with Aaron Ramsey out, it was up to Jack Wilshere to step up and fill the Welshman’s boots. Before he was injured, Aaron Ramsay contributed three goals and six assists in 15 matches, a considerable number for a midfielder. However, it is not surprising when you consider his tendencies towards goal.

On the flip side, this could leave the back-three susceptible to a counter attack, especially against teams that prefer to play defense and long-ball.

Which is where Wilshere comes in. His positional and tactical sense means that he is incredibly diligent in terms of finding space. Arsene Wenger’s tendency to play two or more ball-playing defenders means that Jack is less likely to lose the ball where it matters most, and his first touch and vision – comparable to Mesut Ozil – is able to get him out of tight jams. His eye for a killer pass and long pass means that he is an all-round, versatile midfielder.

Most importantly, Jack understands what it means to play for the club, the badge, and all the responsibility and expectation that comes along with the weekly pay check.

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Arsenal are at a crossroads. The savior may come in the form of different tactics employed by other clubs- Stoke, Swansea, West Brom – games in which Granit Xhaka can shine. Wenger has to make sure to rotate to play to his player’s strength, stamina, form and motivation.