Arsenal: There is a world where Guendouzi, Torreira and Xhaka all start

Arsenal have three midfielders for two positions, which is a recipe for success, but should the time come, these three can all start together.

Arsenal‘s midfield is actually in a really good spot. They have three unique midfielders, all of whom have different claims to fame. As of now, it’s looking like the best pairing is Lucas Torreira and Granit Xhaka, but Matteo Guendouzi’s youth and energy has been to die for, so it’s not like this is a two horse race.

The tough part is that Unai Emery is going with a 4-2-3-1 system, which helps establish a base, and builds around the biggest strength of the club – the midfield. But it also doesn’t allow for all three of these young studs to start.

So, if the objective is to get all three of these players out there at once, there are a couple ways to go about it. The unfortunate part is that, naturally, you there are sacrifices that have to be made.

If Aaron Ramsey leaves, the system makes itself. A 4-3-3, pulling the focus away from the No. 10 that Ramsey has been so wonderfully providing, would be the best way to overcome such a massive loss.

But we don’t want Ramsey to leave. So we also have to fit Ramsey into this system that also has these other three central midfielders.

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The 4-4-2 would be a bit of a stretch, but what could end up happening is letting Ramsey play in a wider role with the understanding that he is going to cut inside anyway. Guendouzi could also play as a wide central midfielder (yes, that’s a thing).

But the more sensible approach may be a 4-3-3, even if it doesn’t seem as sexy. Ramsey would again be pushed into a wide position, but it may end up taking more of a 4-3-1-2 shape anyway, with Ramsey sat in behind two strikers.

More width would be sacrificed, but it’s not like the club is rampant with wingers right now anyway, so it would be more of the same while sticking to the strengths.

I know what you’re thinking, “none of these set-ups sound any better than what we have now.” And I was thinking the same. It is possible to start these three midfielders altogether, if that is the goal, but right now, the point should be to find the best pairing and stick with it, which I think we already have.

Guendouzi has a bright future, but allowing him this disappointment may be better in the long run anyway.