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Arsenal: End of season player rankings

By Andrew Dowdeswell

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 06: Arsene Wenger, Manager of Arsenal shows appreciation to the fans after the Premier League match between Arsenal and Burnley at Emirates Stadium on May 6, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 06: Arsene Wenger, Manager of Arsenal shows appreciation to the fans after the Premier League match between Arsenal and Burnley at Emirates Stadium on May 6, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Mohamed Elneny
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JULY 15: Mohamed Elneny of Arsenal enters the field of play during the match between the Western Sydney Wanderers and Arsenal FC at ANZ Stadium on July 15, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Zak Kaczmarek/Getty Images) /

10. Mohamed Elneny

Of outfield players, only Jack Wilshere played more minutes in Arsenal’s Europa League campaign than Mohamed Elneny. Add to that 11 starts in the Premier League, and it’s clear to see what role Elneny carved out for himself this season: the reliable, but perhaps restricted, substitute. That is an invaluable player to have.

It easy to scoff at players like Elneny. He does not do anything particularly brilliantly. He’s not incredibly quick or athletic, he isn’t a huge stature and physical presence, he isn’t a wonderful technician with a bucket load of flicks and tricks, his passing is perfectly adequate but is not especially creative and bursting with attacking intent. He’s just quite good at a lot of different aspects.

But do not overlook the value of such a player. Elneny proved as much last season with his best year at the Emirates. He answered the call whenever he was needed, he was consistent, unwavering, reliable and showed progression in his play in the latter months. This was a good season.

Andrew: 7th; Josh: 13th

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