Arsenal: 3 roles Emi Buendia could play if signed

2. Emi Buendia as a Number 10

As soon as his name appeared in the headlines regarding a potential switch to Arsenal, the prospect of Buendia playing in the No. 10 role emerged. He has mentioned it himself:

"He said: “At first, I played on the right wing, but with the freedom I can move around. For most of my life, my position has been the number ten behind the striker.”"

So much of his time at Norwich is spent attacking spaces wherever they may be, which means he often finds himself drifting into central areas. Piercing diagonal runs and exceptional spatial awareness ensure he is effective playing both inside and outside, as well as with space to operate and without it.

Another aspect is that when Arsenal get back to defend, the wingers usually support the full-backs to add bodies in behind. This can free up the No. 10 to be slightly advanced in case of turnovers, yet Emile Smith Rowe and Odegaard are not the speed merchants to exploit such instances. Their vision can play others in, but Buendia has excellent acceleration and is so comfortable running with the ball at pace that he’s a lethal asset on transition.

Counter-attacks have not been Arsenal’s friend this season. They have (really, no joke) scored just one in the Premier League this season. It came on the opening day when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang converted the third goal against Fulham.

In general Buendia will aid this deficiency but playing through the middle he can be brutally impactful.

As for goal threat, the 24-year-old has a delightful array of shooting styles. Crucially, with either foot. He’s the most two-footed player in the Championship with four goals on his left peg to complement the nine on his right, one header and one penalty.

That aids both in terms of vision, as defenders woe to be face to face with a forward who can switch foot in the blink of an eye. Nowhere is being two-footed more useful than in central areas.