Arsenal: Nacho Monreal realism crucial to next season

Nacho Monreal had himself a season for Arsenal, but going into next year, it is vital to stay grounded in our expectations of him.

I don’t think there were any players that stood out from the pack so clearly quite like Nacho Monreal. When he has his blinding hot streak with Arsenal, he was literally a superhero. No one could stop him.

And while that did fade, Monreal remained a steady force, reliable in his strengths and consistency. He had his flaws, the same that he has always had – a lack of pace, getting caught out, etc. – but those are known. He did what was expected of him and exceeded those expectations more than he fell short.

He was so consistent that he even kept Sead Kolasinac, a superior talent, on the bench when the Bosnian was healthy.

Going into next season, it is going to be a different story for Monreal. The Spaniard’s athleticism has gradually declined, and for an Arsenal club that demands so much from their fullbacks, that is a crucial weakness to keep an eye on, because it was exploited so often last year. He played 3000 minutes for the Gunners last year, and it’s unrealistic to think that he can do that again.

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As such, there may be an added reliance on Kolasinac to do the dirty work that he loves to do, but that comes with a caveat – he has to stay healthy. Which makes what should be a steady leftback situation suddenly look unsure. Especially if Unai Emery is intent on doing what he normally does – pressure, pressure, pressure.

Monreal simply can’t do that, and that has to be understood. He has his uses. Absolutely he does. But I’m not sure superhero Monreal can be called upon again next year.

To add to these concerns, he has been called to play for Spain in the World Cup, meaning that it will not be much of a break for him. It remains to be seen in what capacity he will be used, but being at the World Cup alone is taxing, and as we have seen in previous years, international competitions like this always have a way of leaving the Gunners short-handed.

Meaning that expectations must be further tempered, and Kolasinac, who was unable to help Bosnia reach the world cup, will be called on more, as will Ainsley Maitland-Niles, unless another option presents itself.

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We knew the day would come when Monreal was no longer as viable as he once was. Thankfully it’s Emery in charge now, because Wenger would surely cling to the long-time leftback and wring him for all he’s worth.

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