Arsenal: It’s perfectly fine to get creative with this midfield

Arsenal’s midfield is a bit of an issue lately, but don’t dismiss Unai Emery’s inclination to get creative with the options that he has.

Arsenal‘s midfield was a strength last year. Starting Lucas Torreira, Matteo Guendouzi and Granit Xhaka all together was sure to infuse the club with strength, stability, and something to build off of. But it was also the only option that Unai Emery had. He had those three guys. That’s it.

This year, he’s doing more. He’s trying more. He’s mixing things up. He’s pushing Torreira forward into a versatile role, he’s letting Dani Ceballos roam freely, he’s getting Joe Willock in there to see where he fits best.

In short, Emery is being creative. He’s bending the midfield to see the extent of his guys’ abilities. All of whom are young, talented, and versatile.

But if Emery really wants to get creative, he can’t shy away from being really creative. As in using guys that are midfielders, but perhaps haven’t been given a fair shake.

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In an effort to find the perfect combination, handcuffing himself only to the guys he’s used to is essentially that—handcuffing himself. Why confine yourself only to the things you know when there are other options out there that aren’t just capable, but desperate for a chance to prove themselves?

I’m thinking two names in particular—Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Calum Chambers. Both of whom are worthy of a shake, both of whom have the world to prove, both of whom really deserve to be a bigger part of the team.

Chambers proved his midfield capabilities when on loan at Fulham. He is the defensive midfielder that no one thinks he has, but currently, Emery’s marriage to Xhaka is preventing anyone else from getting into that deep-set role.

And Maitland-Niles? The man has been crying out for a shot in the midfield since he’s been called up. I recognize that Joe Willock is very similar, but if Emery is so open to being creative with his talent, as he clearly is, then what’s holding him back from going all in and building out his options from where they already are? The worst that could happen is it doesn’t work. But the current midfield isn’t working either, so what’s the real risk?

Arsenal may have to wait to find their true solution, but what if their true solution can be found right now?