Arsenal: 3 reasons why Alex Grimaldo would be a good left-back alternative

Could it be déja vu all over again? Just 12 months after they last turned to Benfica in search of inexpensive left-back competition, Arsenal appear to be on the lookout for Iberian inspiration once again as rumours emerge of their growing interest in the Eagles’ Spanish defender Alex Grimaldo.

The latest full-back reports follow speculation that first-choice candidate Lisandro Martinez will favour a reunion with former boss Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford and, as other transfer targets continue to be tempted elsewhere, an enforced backline compromise will further dishearten supporters on the eve of the new domestic campaign.

3 reasons why Arsenal should consider Alex Grimaldo as an alternative left-back option

However, Grimaldo’s low price tag and modest reputation are not reflective of his ability and there are many positives to consider if a move materialises later this summer. Far from shaking our heads in derision, here are three reasons why he could be a viable answer to the defensive conundrum.

1. Grimaldo has the skillset to succeed in the Arsenal system

A product of the world-renowned La Masia academy in Barcelona, Grimaldo received a football education which instilled many of the attributes required to function in a Mikel Arteta team and allowed him to develop into a true offensive force.

The strengths of the former Blaugrana talent lie predominantly in advanced areas where impressive ball control not only enables him to evade opposition challenges, but also to find space to use his excellent delivery and create numerous opportunities for the forwards. Such aptitude in the final third was integral to Benfica’s prolificacy last season as Grimaldo registered 15 goal contributions in 47 matches and helped the Portuguese giants to the Champions League quarter-finals.

Furthermore, while he admittedly lacks aerial presence and does not offer the same explosive potential as current Gunner and former teammate Nuno Tavares, the Spaniard compensates through great decision-making and maturity in possession. His confidence on the ball and concentration means he rarely attempts panicked passes to vulnerable colleagues, and he mitigates shortcomings in the air via astute positioning as well as a canny knack for interceptions.

Benfica Sporting Director Tiago Pinto once claimed that Grimaldo is one of the “best five left-backs in Europe” and could play for “any team”. For now, that statement can be deemed biased and hyperbolic but, in conjunction with what can be ascertained on the pitch, it seems he would be perfectly capable of satisfying Arsenal’s defensive needs.

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