3 positions for Arsenal to improve in transfer window

2. Central Midfield

Arsenal’s midfield had been inconsistent for years before Thomas Partey’s arrival. Injuries, poor recruitment and a general lack of defensive awareness or physical presence meant that the midfield was porous and average at best. Arsenal did not have the flair to consistently create chances, nor the defensive nous to keep clean sheets, while bizarre tactical decisions under previous managers didn’t help either. Under Arteta’s coaching, however, Arsenal now have one of the best midfields in the league. Key to that development has been one word: balance.

Partey sits at the base of the midfield, providing defensive cover and ball progression. Odegaard can drop deep to combine with the Ghanaian while also providing that incision at the top half of the pitch. Both of these players and their specific positions have been integral to the free-flowing football fans have been treated to in the last few months.

It is Xhaka’s position is one that needs improvement.

The Swiss midfielder has done well enough in his newer role. He plays higher up than Partey, combining with Tierney and Martinelli on the left, where he is freer from his defensive duties. As a result, reckless challenges and poor positioning have been a rarity.

Yet this freedom requires the midfielder occupying that position to contribute goals and assists. Xhaka has a number of important qualities, and he is performing a role far from his skillset, but his scoring and general output are not at the level required. He also lacks the athleticism that the box-to-box role requires as the left-sided No. 8 needs a player that can run with the ball.

Arteta must look to strengthen this position come the summer. The other pieces in midfield have fallen into place. Once he finds an upgrade on Xhaka, the level of the team will go up once again.

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