Arsenal: Faith in Sead Kolasinac rarely going to misfire

It’s looking like Arsenal will have to roll with Sead Kolasinac in the North London Derby, but I’ll never naysay faith placed in the Bosnian’s corner.

Arsenal‘s leftback situation was supposed to be solved with the arrival of Kieran Tierney, but it’s been a bit of a mixed bag, mostly because nothing has changed. Tierney is hurt, so we’ve been confined to Nacho Monreal and Sead Kolasinac, the latter of whom only just returned after security concerns.

And now, with Monreal set to be sold, according to recent reports, it’s looking like Unai Emery has cast his lot with the Bosnian to be the guy to hold us over until Tierney can get back and have a say in the matter.

Some people are nervous. They’ve seen Kolasinac’s defending and, to be fair, it’s lacking at times. But I will never doubt the Bosnian’s ability to step in and do a task when it is specifically asked of him. Last year he showed a propensity for filling voids, not least of all in the creating chances department, and for a man with his determination and mettle, it feels like a natural fit.

Plus, there’s something to be said about telling a guy, “we trust you, now go out there and do the job.” It gives an added fluff of confidence.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• Mikel Arteta provides Gabriel Martinelli injury update after Everton win

Kolasinac is going to be playing his favored position, despite the fact that he has proven himself much more capable of being a wingback, or even a left-sided midfielder. His attacking ability has often been criticized for poor deliveries and his defense has often been criticized for being woefully out of position and not a great presence to hold his own against wingers.

But his delivery has improved, and that ability to turn the corner, keep hold of the ball, and get into dangerous areas will always be something I look forward to every time he takes the pitch.

As for his defense, the biggest question of all, the man has strength, he has grit. In a wide open match where he will primarily be asked to drive the ball up the flank, I’d not bet against him putting in a rousing performance, if he is indeed called upon.

Do keep in mind that Kolasinac is still young. He’s had some problems being healthy, but he still has a big role to play moving forward, if we ask it of him. And as alluded to, I would always ask it of him.