Arsenal: The recurring problem at leftback

Arsenal currently have a left back problem. It’s not even about the number of personnel but a combination of different factors. Here we discuss the left back position and possible solutions.

Fullback is a very very important position in any team, as is every other position. They have to be good attackers and defenders at the same time and have long distances to cover. Last season, rightback was Arsenal‘s main concern as Hector Bellerin was the only recognised right back in the team.

This season though, with the free acquisition of Stephan Lichtsteiner and return of Carl Jenkinson, that concern has shifted to the other full back position – leftback.

A few months ago, Andy asked if we talked about it enough. Five months later, it is a necessity we talk about it, with the winter transfer window lurking.

Problem

The problem is not even the same as last season – rightback being short of staff. The problem is the mixture of injuries, inconsistency, age, and the fact that Cohen Bramall has been deemed not good enough and has no future at Arsenal.

The Gunners have three out-and-out left backs (Nacho Monreal, Sead Kolasinac, Cohen Bramall), and four make-shift ones (Maitland-Niles, Lichtsteiner, Jenko, Xhaka). There was even a time Welbeck was made to train there at the beginning of the season, (as Maitland-Niles is one person and can’t play leftback on both teams during training) but he never did actually play it in a competitive game.

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Of these seven, only Monreal and Kolasinac are seen as real options. But the thing is, while Monreal is an astute, passionate and consistent player, he’d be 33 by February. He’s a real presence and is the ideal fullback as he’s a good defender and is also effective going forward, but his contract expires at the end of the season and he’s not getting any younger.

Kolasinac on the other hand is P.O.O.R. defensively but is superb attacking-wise. He’s so good an attacker, he might even be mistaken for a winger, reminding me and everyone else of Andre Santos, but as a much better player.

In retrospect, Wenger did say he’s more a wingback than fullback and Kolasinac keeps proving him right. Though he’s injury prone too, he’s just 25 and his attacking ability, speed and crossing ability keeps him in the side, especially at wingback.

He’ll be a brilliant and a much better player, if he just learnt how to “DEFEND.” Right now both are fit but that isn’t guaranteed. As such, Arsenal will need to strengthen that leftback position in case of any unfortunate scenarios.

Solution

The simple solution is to buy a new leftback. Scary thoughts of signing Alberto Moreno for free at the end of the season were being tossed around but he’s a no-no for me. Junior Firpo of Real Betis is also being monitored. The 22 year old Dominican will cost as much as £45m, which is a price Arsenal are unlikely to shell out for a left back.

Jose Luis Gaya would have been ideal but he just recently signed a new long-term 5 year contract with an £88m buyout clause installed. Ben chilwell has been impressive this season in the premier league, with consistent displays down the left flank gaining him plaudits and a spot in England’s starting XI which he has performed admirably in.

Faouzi Ghoulam and Ryan Sessegnon are other option which could be explored. Anyway it turns out, I trust Sven Mislintat to make the right calls.