Arsenal: Kalvin Phillips the perfect Thomas Partey partner in 4-2-3-1

Arsenal are closing in on their first signings of the transfer window and the excitement levels are rising. Three weeks in to a 12 week ordeal, some deals are finally getting over the line. The dream additions, however, are yet to come.

Even if those making their ways through the door are only backup additions, it’s still, generally, fun to see a new player don Arsenal red and white.

Albert Sambi Lokonga will arrive as the long-term successor to Thomas Partey, boasting a similar profile and heaps of potential. Meanwhile, Nuno Tavares may follow a similar trend but it will be longer still before he overtakes Kieran Tierney in the pecking order, if he ever will.

Ben White is on course the be the marquee signing of the window so far on a club-record fee for a defender, while the likes of Aaron Ramsdale and James Maddison are being eyed up. The latter three all falling into a specific profile of player: young, with room to develop and, crucially, Premier League experienced.

https://twitter.com/Kalvinphillips/status/1409961039077195779

Kalvin Phillips is the perfect Thomas Partey partner at Arsenal in a 4-2-3-1 system for Mikel Arteta this summer transfer window

While White may only have one year under his belt, his knowledge of the division and the near immediate nature with which he could adapt to his new surroundings enhances his appeal. In positions like centre-back, it’s essential to Mikel Arteta to bring someone in for the now who can anchor his defence.

The same applies in midfield where Lokonga’s arrival will not suffice if Arsenal are to build a squad capable of a top four challenge. Granit Xhaka’s impending departure will leave a huge void in the side, one that can be plugged, but can also expand should his replacement prove a failure.

Initial contact had been made for Ruben Neves to come in be that man, a case that has since gone cold. What can be discerned from that move is, again, knowledge of the Premier League.

Neves would require little to no time to get up to the speed of the division, with any pre-season work used solely to absorb the manager’s ideas. As a profile and to bring in someone who can fulfill many of the job roles left behind Xhaka, the logic behind that proposed transfer is clear.

Whether or not he is the right man to come in and partner Thomas Partey in the 4-2-3-1, however, is up for debate and has already been discussed with some supporters not overawed by the glamour of the signing.

Would the same fans be underwhelmed by Kalvin Phillips? Well, they shouldn’t be, and here is why.

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Kalvin Phillips Would Unleash Thomas Partey at Arsenal

Kalvin Phillips has been excellent for England at the European Championships this summer. First class in the heart of the midfield.

But he’s been doing what Leeds fans have been witness to all season long. Well, that’s untrue, he’s been doing it for years.

There is an important conversation to be had over what it is that Arsenal want following Xhaka’s departure. What would be exciting is the scope to completely change the outlook of the midfield and bring in a different profile, or to find an upgrade on his style.

The upgrade would be someone who can also distribute effectively, like Neves, while the new direction could opt for a more attack-minded No. 8, should Arteta stick with the 4-2-3-1 that served him well at the end of last season.

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In either case, someone with energy in that area of the pitch to complement Partey has to be sounded out, and where else in the Premier League will you find a more relentless option than over at Leeds?

Phillips presses so vigorously he’s in the 93rd percentile across Europe, recovering possession 12.05 times on average per 90 for an 89th percentile scoring (FBref). These defensive actions create chances, too: he’s in the 83rd percentile for defensive actions that lead to a shot.

As seen with England, Phillips and Declan Rice share these pressing duties in tandem with one another, harassing from the front and then returning to shield in something reminiscent of a tag team. As witnessed with Partey and Mohamed Elneny, this boundless energy alongside the Ghanaian unlocks his best attributes.

With a ball-winning menace acting like a sweeper in and around him, the 28-year-old’s progressive and ball-carrying qualities can sing. Phillips is in the 95th percentile for tackles won in his own third, 96th for shots blocked and 86th for interceptions, demonstrating his mettle in the engine room before he can turn on the style.

A wonderful passer, sitting in that deep-lying zone in Leeds’ 4-1-4-1 (at least as it’s read out), he finds the spaces to receive and dispense in as few touches as possible. He isn’t a progressive carrier or penalty box seeker, but these traits fall on Partey’s shoulders and the pair would combine their defensive steel with individually impactful trademarks.

They both encompass numerous abilities but as a pair with energy, endeavour, distribution and destruction, sprinkled with individual flair, they would companion each other tremendously. Partey brings the technical strength in receiving on the half-turn and Phillips could be the polished shield.

With Phillips and Partey in a double pivot, they can play on the angle with Partey more advanced where he can receive with room to turn and carry into pockets or progress up the field. That symmetry would flourish with the Leeds man.

As Arsenal appear to be shifting towards a high pressing system, the needs for athletic players to match those requirements is, well, obvious. The introduction of Phillips would raise the tempo in the middle of the park – a glaring issue last season – provide the platform for Partey to express himself and reintroduce the range of pass Xhaka offered with enhanced speed.

Can it be done?

Continued…

Can Arsenal Sign Kalvin Phillips From Leeds?

It wouldn’t be easy, nor would it be cheap. In truth it would be a difficult operation to master for a player at his hometown club on a contract until 2024.

Marcelo Bielsa would dig his heels in and not let go. He, like the entirety of Leeds, adores Phillips for what he brings to the city as well as the team; someone who can dictate tempo, manage matches, bring leadership, quality and control.

Which is precisely why he’d be perfect for Arsenal.

A 25-year-old homegrown player who has the range of pass of a Neves but the engine of an Yves Bissouma, his understanding of the Premier League, vitality and combative qualities would unlock Partey.

If the money is there then Phillips would be a glorious addition to Arteta’s team. Money would be upwards of £40m but would be risk-free in terms of what input you’d get, and for how long.

His outstanding performances for England aren’t helping anyone’s case, either. Another solid display against Germany – a game which highlighted his intelligence and commitment having been booked early in the game – followed on from three full 90 minute outings in the group stages. Phillips was of man of the match against Croatia.

Whatever high fee is on his head already, and Leeds really would be fools to sell him, has certainly increased.

A move perhaps out of Arsenal’s spending power, if Arteta wants a Premier League proven central midfielder who could unlock Partey in a 4-2-3-1 with central midfielders who complement each other, then look no further than Elland Road.

Is Phillips the only option, therefore the perfect one? No. But in terms of what Arteta wants from within the division, that isn’t completely unattainable, then he absolutely is.