Arsenal: Serge Gnabry and 2 other former prospects who’d be starting

2. Ismael Bennacer

After his breakout year at Empoli last year and the reports that the Gunners had a buyback clause attached to him, I was ready to see Ismael Bennacer brought back to the Emirates for that Premier League opportunity he just never got.

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Bennacer established himself as a remarkably solid midfield pivot, serving both defensively and offensively. He was one of the top ball-winning midfielders in Serie A and he created chances and chipped in a handful of assists as well.

Now at AC Milan, he is arguably their best player this year, serving as the centermost midfielder in a three midfielder set and he has continued to flourish as the pivot that he is. He’s a master dribbler with superb ball security as he can drive the attack from deep in his own half successfully to dangerous positions on the other side.

He is exactly the kind of midfielder that would complete a midfield three with Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey (already assuming we have him, see?).

Finally No. 1.