Pain in the Arsenal
Fansided

Arsenal: Complete 2018/19 season player ratings

By Andrew Dowdeswell

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 01: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal (L) celebrates after scoring his team's second goal with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on April 01, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 01: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal (L) celebrates after scoring his team's second goal with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on April 01, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 20: Mohamed Elneny of Arsenal during the UEFA Europa League Group E match between Arsenal and Vorskla Poltava at Emirates Stadium on September 20, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 20: Mohamed Elneny of Arsenal during the UEFA Europa League Group E match between Arsenal and Vorskla Poltava at Emirates Stadium on September 20, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images) /

Mohamed Elneny – 4.25

The limitations of Mohamed Elneny have never been difficult to see. His sideways passing, his lack of dynamism and drive, his perfectly fine but never quite sharp enough touch. He is the definition of a sound footballer. But the restrictions of his game came to the fore this season, especially when he was partnered with Guendouzi.

In several matches, that central midfield pairing completely undid Arsenal. Guendouzi was untamed, running around without thinking, while Elneny did little in possession other than invite pressure and put his teammates in trouble with overly cautious passes. Sometimes, the calm and controlled is what is required, but there comes a point where more is needed, and Elneny simply cannot offer it.

He slipped way down the pecking order in the midfield, with new signings Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira both seen as better options by Emery. It would be a major surprise if he was not offloaded this summer, even in a cut-price deal.