Arsenal: Krystian Bielik has earned his place on the first team

Arsenal is entering a period of transition and will be doing so on a limited budget. But one solution might have recently shown itself.

Arsenal is entering a period of transition and will be doing so on a limited budget. There have been plenty of links connecting the Gunners with young center backs like Joachim Andersen and William Saliba this transfer window as they look to solve their long-lasting defensive problem.

We have seen Arsenal’s defense give up 51 goals in each of the last two seasons while only keeping a combined 21 shutouts. Compare those numbers to champions Manchester City’s combined 50 goals and 38 shutouts over the last two seasons and it’s clear the Gunners have a long way to go to solve their problems.

But one solution might have recently shown itself and wouldn’t put a dent in the transfer purse. Arsenal and Emery have been dying for a strong, athletic,  ball-carrying center back who can pick a pass and turn defense into attack. Step up Krystian Bielik.

Over the last few months, Bielik has continued to improve and should finally be given the chance to break into the first team this coming season.

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Playing in a defensive midfield role against Italy in the U21 European Championships recently, Bielik scored the game-winner while also providing one key pass, one dribble won, three tackles won, two interceptions, nine clearances and one aerial battle won.

Against Italy, he showed his versatility by playing in the midfield position having played the first game of the tournament against Belgium in his preferred position of CB, and still provided a goal in their 3-2 win. At only 21 years of age, he will need to sharpen a few aspects of his game but he is proving to be the aggressive, physical defender, we have been desperate to see.

Moreover, Bielik’s performances at the end of the season with Charlton Athletic, which saw him help lead his team to promotion into the Championship while claiming the Player of the Match for the final, should put him in prime position to prove himself this coming season. Combine his great recent run of form with his desire to prove himself and make it in the first team, and the Gunners might have a perfect solution to their defensive issues already on contract.

With this side looking to utilize their war chest of youth this upcoming season, Bielik should be top of Emery’s list to be given a shot early and often. And if he continues to play the way he is currently, he’s sure to be a mainstay in the first team for years to come.