Assessing Arsenal’s midfield options for the 2021/22 season
Arsenal’s biggest problem areas over the last decade or so has been the midfield. Not since the days of Patrick Vieira, Gilberto Silva, and Edu, have the Gunners had a combative, well-organized presence in the center of the pitch. That could be about to change.
The creative side of the midfield has been largely absent too. The likes of Mesut Ozil, Jack Wilshere, and Martin Odegaard all provided highlights, but never something still seemed to be missing.
Now as Arsenal enters its first season without any European football, the biggest question marks remain over the Gunners midfield.
Recruit Albert Lokonga will provide depth but aside from Thomas Partey, Arsenal lacks any real substance. So, who is in line to be in the heart of Arsenal’s midfield for 2021/22?
Thomas Partey
The heir to Patrick Vieira according to some. Partey had a largely disrupted start to life in North London, but he showed flashes of being the dominant force Arsenal has craved for years.
His physicality, eye for a pass, and his tackling all have been on show at some point last term. Partey’s ability to dictate games is perhaps where his real value is for Arsenal. This was on show as he formed a great partnership with Mohamed Elneny against Manchester United in a 1-0 win at Old Trafford in the early stages of the season.
Going by players, breaking up opposition attacks, and his eye for a pass going forward make him a serious player for Arsenal.
His battle with Paul Pogba was a sight to behold. But ultimately it was the Ghanaian that would come out on top. It is no secret that Arsenal’s hopes rely heavily on his shoulders. He will have to have a much better campaign if Arsenal is to climb the table.
Albert Lokonga
One of Arsenal’s newest recruits. The 21-year-old arrived from Belgian side Anderlecht and depending on what dealings happen over the next three weeks, he could form a partnership with Partey in the heart of the Gunners midfield.
In much of the same build as Partey, Lokonga is equally adept at either end of the pitch. His defensive intelligence and his great ability to tackle and win the ball back often, make him a great fit for Arsenal in the heart of the midfield.
Lokonga also reads the game incredibly well and can sense danger and snuff out any potential threats when playing between the lines. One thing that is perhaps overshadowed is his physical frame. The Premier League is fast and physical so Lokonga will not be out of his depth if selected against Brentford.
The 21-year-old can offer plenty in the attacking third too. Likened to former Gunners midfielder Abou Diaby, Lokonga has the dribbling ability to get past players with ease and this will be something Mikel Arteta will look to utilize given the attacking options in the front third.
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Perhaps Lokonga’s best attribute is his versatility. He can be deployed as a central midfielder alongside Partey as a pivot or if needed he can play a deeper role should Arteta shift’s formation.
Should Lokonga and Partey be the preferred midfield duo for Arsenal, they will have perhaps their best partnership. Both have a strong physical element to their game; they can move the ball forward and can dribble past players with ease.
Having a Partey-Lokonga partnership will allow the likes of Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, and Pepe to concentrate more going forward.
Emile Smith Rowe
Hale End’s very own. Fresh of signing a new long-term deal and taking the famous No.10, Smith Rowe will look to build upon his stellar campaign last season.
It was no surprise that Arsenal’s upturn in form coincided with Smith Rowe’s inclusion. His ability to find the ball between the lines and distribute it to the likes of Bukayo Saka, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Nicolas Pepe was a sight to behold.
It remains to be seen as to whether another creative player will be brought in to help ease the load on his young shoulders. When out of the side, the Gunners struggled mightily to get going in terms of creativity.
Arsenal certainly has a star in the making but the entire creative load cannot be solely on “Croydon De Bruyne”. There have been several reports of James Maddinson or Houssem Aouar being linked with a move to the Emirates. But do they materialize? That is uncertain.
With other options of Mohamed Elneny, Granit Xhaka, Joe Willock, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, and Lucas Torreira all linked with a move away, options could be vastly different come the opening day of the Premier League season.
