Arsenal: Alexandre Lacazette continues to mesmerise

In Alexandre Lacazette, Arsenal may have found an internal answer to their Mesut Özil conundrum. The Frenchman continues to mesmerise.

If I am being honest, I was a little concerned by Arsenal‘s first-half display against Fiorentina in the International Challenge Cup. Unsurprisingly, our defence continued to look vulnerable. However, Alexandre Lacazette changed the entire complexion of the game when he entered the fray at half-time. He took up an unfamiliar position as the No. 10 behind preseason phenom Eddie Nketiah and flourished.

Lacazette was frustrated at times with how our offensive play was developing. On one particular occasion, he came to collect the ball on the edge of our own penalty box before advancing play and setting up a chance for Reiss Nelson that was comfortably saved by Pietro Terracciano. He would later unselfishly provide Nketiah with his second goal of the game, before sliding Joe Willock through late on to secure his second assist. He became the beating heart of the team. He took ownership and provided an inexperienced Arsenal team with a composed and elegant focal point.

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I would like to see Lacazette operate as a No. 10 more often. Perhaps not immediately, but if Mesut Özil and Henrikh Mkhitaryan continue to struggle, and you want to get your best eleven players on the field, it may be worthy of consideration. Much like Aaron Ramsey, I think that Willock is more comfortable bombing forward from a deeper midfield role. While some might argue that Alex Iwobi, Emile Smith Rowe, and Reiss Nelson should be given priority over Lacazette in the No. 10 role, the Frenchman showed that he has the tactical understanding and the technical ability to succeed in the role. He linked play well, proved himself capable of finding space, and played intricate passes around congested areas.

He has already shown that he is an incredibly complete striker and that he is our best player. He holds the ball well, works incredibly hard, and is capable of conjuring goals from nothing – however, I saw a different side to Alexandre Lacazette in Charlotte, North Carolina.

There are drawbacks to Lacazette playing a little deeper. We would lose a physical element to our game; Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is not as strong as Lacazette, so this is something that would have to be looked at. The Frenchman would also be playing in an unfamiliar role, and his goal tally would likely decrease.

Whether or not Alexandre Lacazette is given more opportunities in the No. 10 role remains to be seen. Unai Emery has spoken highly of numerous young players this summer, Mesut Özil feels rejuvenated, and the club are also hopeful of finalising a loan move for Dani Ceballos. Furthermore, it was only a meaningless preseason game, so we must take everything with a pinch of salt, but Alexandre Lacazette operating as a No. 10 is without question an idea that is worth exploring.