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Arsenal: 4 David Luiz alternatives for Villarreal

By Ross Kennerley

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 06: Rob Holding, Hector Bellerin and Granit Xhaka of Arsenal react during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Arsenal at Villa Park on February 6, 2021 in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 06: Rob Holding, Hector Bellerin and Granit Xhaka of Arsenal react during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Arsenal at Villa Park on February 6, 2021 in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Rob Holding
CASTELLON, SPAIN – APRIL 29: Rob Holding of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League match between Villarreal v Arsenal at the Estadio de la Ceramica on April 29, 2021 in Castellon Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images) /

3. Rob Holding at Centre-Back & Hector Bellerin at Right-Back

No massive change and the same general principle as with Chambers, only valuing the individual qualities of Holding over those of his teammate.

There are umpteen different variations for which backline to go for which is, in no ways, a positive thing. Having a set back four, or back three, is the essential foundation to build your team from. There has to be stability in that area of the pitch which can they transpire into the attacking and flair players expressing their talents.

Injuries have not helped, thus with those available the pairing that is going to provide Arsenal with the most stability is Holding and Mari.

Watch back the events of the first leg and nobody in their right mind would back that claim, yet over the sample size available with the two playing together it’s been more encouraging than discouraging.

If that’s the duo Arteta plumps for, then he still has to have some pace at right-back to add protection in transition and disruption into Villarreal. The Spanish side don’t play with bombing, overloading full-backs but if they do it comes via left-back Pervis Estupiñán. Get Bellerin up high and pinning him into his own half, with Mari and Holding’s relationship in the heart of defence providing the platform needed for the lines in front to create openings.

Is this what Arteta will opt for?

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