Arsenal: Miguel Almiron more of the same, which is perfect
By Josh Sippie
Arsenal are tied to the services of Paraguayan midfielder Miguel Almiron, which is more of the same with Unai Emery, and that’s perfect.
Arsenal‘s attacking midfield was supposed to be one of, if not the, strongest features of this club. With the likes of Ozil, Mkhitaryan and Ramsey, all of whom have heaping resumes of honors, there was supposed to be no shortage of options and chances created from all three.
It hasn’t been smooth sailing, as the three of them have all struggled to get started under the Unai Emery system. Ozil just doesn’t fit the system, Ramsey is on his way out and Mkhitaryan can’t stay on the pitch.
In the wake of all of this, Alex Iwobi has emerged as a premium option, growing into the new era quite well, and Emile Smith Rowe has done more of the same. It’s been a promising show of youth, with Matteo Guendouzi getting involved behind them as well, and Lucas Torreira too.
Now comes the link to MLS superstar Miguel Almiron. First of all, since I found myself so heavily criticized for assessing Piotr Zielinski’s play-style in a previous article (I watch Napoli quite often), let me point out that, as an American, I have seen plenty of Miguel Almiron.
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Not least of all because he was linked to the Gunners previously, when Arsene Wenger wanted him.
Almiron fits the billing of what this club will undoubtedly be looking for, should the paltry attacking midfield show continue. Even if it does improve, all of our top options are either on the brink of leaving or they’re approaching 30.
Almiron is 24 years old and he has found his footing in MLS. Scoff all you want, but if you watch Atlanta United play (and I mean actually watch, like a full match), you will see similarities between what they do and what Unai Emery is shaping at the Emirates. Complete football, with a flare for the attack, explosive offensive options and a lot of goal.
Almiron is the center of all of that. After tallying 17 goal contributions last season, he upped himself to 23 this year, creating even more chances, taking more shots, and proving himself a world class talent. Yes, even in MLS. As if Americans actually play soccer. I mean football.
This team is getting younger, and they are doing it cheaply. Between Iwobi, Smith Rowe, Guendouzi and Torreira, we have very little money spent and a lot of present and future value. Add Almiron to that mix and everything is fitting into place.