Lisa Baum just keeps getting better and better the more she plays for Arsenal, however, it feels like the logical next step is to try switching her position with Olivia Smith.
Olivia Smith played just as well as her counterpart on the other wing against Man United. Arsenal's attack wasn't overly productive, but of the great moments they did have, many of them came from Arsenal's wide positions.
Arsenal may have an obvious next step with Lisa Baum and Olivia Smith
Lisa Baum is a right-footed winger who Renee Slegers consistently plays on the left. Vice versa, Olivia Smith is a left-footed winger whom Renee Slegers consistently plays on the right.
Both players are naturally more comfortable on their stronger side, so it does feel like the time is ticking before a positional swap happens between Arsenal's two wingers.
In fact, Arsenal fans got a taste of how Baum performs out on the right, her strongest side, when she played against Crystal Palace. It wasn't a stellar performance from Arsenal, but it was one of Baum's best since she started wearing the Arsenal jersey.
Baum has been exceptional since joining from RB Leipzig in the summer. Likewise, Smith took no time at all to adjust to Arsenal when she joined last summer.
Against Man United, Baum was comfortable enough to drift in and out of her position. On more than one occasion, she came central to help with link-up play.
Smith is a different player, but her importance is equal to that of Baum. She is much more of a direct dribbler and a traditional winger in the sense of stretching out defences.
The Canada international was taken off before the hour mark against Man United, potentially with the midweek Champions League fixture in mind.
Both wingers are in great form, so switching their sides doesn't come from any sense of urgency. That said, it's a change that Arsenal fans would love to see.
Arsenal are blessed with depth, much more than last season. This is largely due to a busy summer transfer window. It is likely, then, that Renee Slegers is experimenting with her setup before she settles on anything concrete, which can be understood.
Either way, playing both Baum and Smith on their more natural side feels like a win-win for both players.
