Arsenal and Dani Ceballos: The development of the modern midfield

Arsenal are set to sign central midfielder Dani Ceballos this week on a season-long loan. His arrival hints at the development of the modern midfield that Unai Emery is seeking.

According to a wide range reports, and as confirmed by David Ornstein of BBC Sport on Monday night, Arsenal are set to sign Real Madrid central midfielder Dani Ceballos on a season-long loan, the 22-year-old arriving to fill the hole left behind by Aaron Ramsey who departed earlier in the summer on a free transfer.

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The signing indicates a clear shift in the make-up of the Gunners midfield under Unai Emery. Last season, Emery largely used a number 10 playing in behind one or two strikers. Whether it be a 3-5-2, 4-4-2 diamond or 4-2-3-1, Emery inserted a creative number 10 for most of the season.

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However, as Manchester City and Liverpool proved last season, and as the modern game has displayed on numerous occasions across the world, there is now a need to have a rounded central midfield that is comprised by complete individuals who can partake in every aspect of the position, from scoring goals to shielding the backline. And Ceballos is certainly a player who can execute this type of modern midfield system.

Like the man he may be replacing, Mesut Ozil, Ceballos is adept at dropping deep in the midfield, receiving the ball under pressure, and progressing play through smart, controlled dribbling and an excellent passing range. But then, unlike Ozil, he also allies with his terrific mobility, a wonderful dictation of matches from deep, and a willingness to press when Arsenal are in the defensive phase. And this is what makes him the modern-day creator from central midfield.

Where traditionally, creative players were surrounding by more mobile teammates to protect them and provide them with a foundation to work off, as the high press has swept through the game and the tactical nous of the sport has developed, carrying such luxury players has become a very quick way to lose matches, as Arsenal and their myriad of creators have discovered.

The likes of Christian Eriksen, Kevin de Bruyne and David Silva, three of the best creative midfielders in the Premier League, have had to adapt their games, such that they provide more than ingenuity in the final third. Every single player must partake in every moment of the match, on the defensive and offensive side. And that is exceptionally true for central midfielders.

This is the central midfield that Emery wants. He spoke glowingly about Ceballos’ ability to play as a number 10 or a number eight, clearly understanding the need for creative midfielders to also work as box-to-box midfielders. Pairing Ceballos with the exceptionally mobile pairing of Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi could give Arsenal one of the most youthful, dynamic and modern central midfields in the Premier League.

This is where football is — and already has in other senses — moving. Arsenal, on this front, are playing catch up, and Ceballos undoubtedly helps them do that.