Arsenal: Dani Ceballos continues to be exactly what was needed

Arsenal didn’t start Dani Ceballos against Tottenham, but in just half an hour, he continued to prove that he’s exactly what we need him to be.

I hate to do this again, but take a trip back with me down memory lane. January, 2019. Arsenal cannot create chances to save their lives. Denis Suarez is brought in to bolster the experience and international stardom of Mesut Ozil and Henrikh Mkhitaryan. All to no avail. Now come back to present day. Dani Ceballos.

He’s here to do what they could not. He’s here to be what they are no longer. And while it’s gotten me in hot water before (eh, let’s say lukewarm water) before, I’m here to say again that he is here because Ozil wasn’t enough. He’s here to be better than Ozil.

Ceballos was exposed against Liverpool. He was rendered thoroughly useless, and that’s what contributed to him sitting on then bench to start the North London Derby. But it was clear when Tottenham went up that Ceballos would have to come on.

As soon as he did, he nearly scored. In just half an our of play, he impacted the game like he did against Burnley, pushing the issue in the attack, creating chances, and continuing his pace to be the top creator on the team this year.

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No player on the team creates more chances than Ceballos. He created another two in just half an hour against Spurs. That was good for second on the team. He wasn’t dispossessed a single time, despite handling the ball a good deal.

Ceballos is doing exactly what we need him to do. And sure, he needs to figure out how to survive in matches that aren’t being dominated by the Gunners, but that will come with time. He’s played 200 minutes in the Premier League, cut him some slack.

The point is, he is an answer to a very obvious problem. A problem that has seen Mkhitaryan leave the club on loan. A problem that has seen Ozil relegated to bench duties. A problem that saw Suarez sent back to Barcelona before he even completed his loan. Ceballos is a solution and he is living up to that necessity already.

The best possible midfield is right around the corner. Emery almost has it figured out. But until he does, at least we know that Ceballos will continue to find time and he will continue to impress.