Arsenal’s First Team Squad- 2019/20
In this blog I will be going through the entire Arsenal first team, giving my opinion on how their time with us has gone and whether we should keep or sell them in the summer.
Goalkeepers
Bernd Leno
Been excellent since coming in, one of the best keepers in the league. If he cuts out his occasional mistake would be world class. Definitely should be kept in the summer as he is one of the few players you can consistently rely on. My Verdict: Keep
Emilio Martinez
Looked comfortable when playing so far this season, never really worried when I see his name on the team sheet. Even though he’s not the best deputy in the league he’s still decent and worth having. My Verdict: Keep
Matt Macey
At 25 years old I think his time at Arsenal should probably be coming to an end. Considering we already have two good keepers ahead of him, his opportunities are only going to be more limit than they already are. Unfortunately doesn’t look good enough to make it. My Verdict: Sell
Defenders
Cedric Soares
I’m happy with this signing, adequate cover for Hector, already has Premier League experience and can play on both sides. Always liked when he played for Southampton and the price we paid for him was good business. Hasn’t even kicked a ball for us at the moment so I will not be saying whether to keep or sell.
Pablo Mari
Much like the Soares deal, it works for us, as we don’t have to sign him permanently in the summer. He looks to be a decent centre back who will bring some much needed height into our back line who’s also good on the ball. Interested to see what impact he makes from now to the end of the season. Hasn’t even kicked a ball for us at the moment so I will not be saying whether to keep or sell.
Hector Bellerin
When he’s fit, he’s a brilliant right back who provides us an attacking outlet when he overlaps, he also creates a lot of chances which was shown at the start of last season when he got quite a few assists. Defensively Hector needs to improve, however since coming back from his ACL, especially recently, he’s looked very assured at the back. I would give him until next January to keep fit for a consistent amount of time, if he is unable to I would think about selling him. My Verdict: Keep
Sokratis
Was one of our better defenders last season, however has looked shaky at times this season, with a few more mistakes creeping in. He’s not getting any younger, therefore I don’t see a future for him after this season. We need to bring in someone who’s younger with more potential. My Verdict: Sell
David Luiz
Surprised me at times this season as he’s been very good in the most part. At the start, he had a couple of poor performances, however since Arteta took over he’s looked a different player. I don’t think he should be sold in the summer as his experience in the dressing room will help even if he isn’t on the pitch as much. My Verdict: Keep
Rob Holding
Looked very good at the start of last season, being a major part of our 22 game unbeaten run, however has he’s struggled for minutes since coming back from his ACL and is nowhere near full match fitness. As a relatively young centre-back I think he should be given more time. My Verdict: Keep
Calum Chambers
In my opinion our best defender this season before his injury, played in a variety of different positions which was useful as we had other players out. Should definitely be given another opportunity once he’s fit again next season. My Verdict: Keep
Shkodran Mustafi
Last season he was a mistake waiting to happen, cost us multiple games in our push for Champions League. Although he’s been much better at times this season, I don’t believe he is the man to take this team forward. My Verdict: Sell
Kieran Tierney
It’s been a difficult start for him at Arsenal, as he came to the club injured, but once he returned he put in some great performances. He’s creativity from left back is something that we have been missing as he whips in such dangerous crosses. Can’t wait for him to be fit again. My Verdict: Keep
Sead Kolasinac
Been hot and cold ever since he came to the club, one game he’s immense and the next he can’t kick a ball. However under Arteta he is looking much more consistent and therefore I would keep him for back up to Tierney. My Verdict: Keep
Midfielders
Lucas Torreira
Last season he was unbelievable for the most part and looked like the player we had been missing for years, however his level of performance weren’t consistent enough at times. This season he has been misused, but under Arteta playing in his natural position, he has looked better than ever. At the age of 23 he is definitely someone we need to keep ahold of. My Verdict: Keep
Granit Xhaka
His Arsenal future looked to be over earlier in the season, however he has managed to turn the fans around after some eye catching displays under Arteta. Shows leadership on the pitch and is someone that is very good to have around the dressing room. Even if next season he isn’t starting week in week out I believe we should keep him. My Verdict: Keep
Dani Ceballos
Started brightly and after the Burnley game everyone was crying out for him to be signed permanently, however his injury disrupted a good portion of his season and now he can’t get enough minutes. I still think he is capable of helping the team from now until the end of the season, but I wouldn’t sign him in the summer. My Verdict: Don’t sign
Ainsley Maitland-Niles
Proved that he is versatile by playing right back for a long time, which is a good quality to have. I would like to give him a go somewhere in the midfield, however I don’t see him as week in week out starter in the future. Maybe I’m wrong, but I think he could benefit from a loan where he plays his natural position for a season. My Verdict: Keep/Loan
Joe Willock
Done well in cup competitions this season after having an impressive pre-season. Still looks to be a bit raw when it comes down to decision making, however I see him as an excellent centre midfielder in the future. Needs a loan move to another Premier League side where he will play consistently. My Verdict: Keep/Loan
Matteo Guendouzi
At the start of the season he was putting some displays well above his years, dragging the team to results at times, however he seems to be out of favour under Arteta. As a 20 year old of course he’s still got a lot to learn, but he has such a high ceiling potential wise and I think he’s going to be a vital player for us in the future. My Verdict: Keep
Mesut Ozil
I was very disappointed with Emery for not playing Ozil as I believed at the time he could help us be more creative, however under Arteta he has had a consistent run of games and not done enough. One assist in 18 games this season is so poor for a player of his quality, unfortunately it seems he’s way past his best now. Need to bring in a top number 10 in the summer. My Verdict: Sell
Forwards
Reiss Nelson
Showed glimpses of what he can do this season, after a good loan spell with Hoffenheim last year. Excellent when taking a man on and has a good eye for a pass, not bad finishing either. Definitely should be given opportunities. My Verdict: Keep
Eddie Nketiah
Did well at Leeds, making an impact off the bench almost every time he came on. Looking sharp when getting minutes for Arsenal as well, scored a good goal against Bournemouth as well. With the future of Aubameyang and Lacazette uncertain he should be kept. My Verdict: Keep
Gabriel Martinelli
He has been a revelation this season, coming into a new league and carrying us to results for such a young player is astonishing. He is close to being a consistent starter already and that is testament to his attitude and ability, no way he is going anywhere. My Verdict: Keep
Nicolas Pepe
Came to Arsenal having had no pre-season and a huge price tag to live up isn’t easy for anyone, combine this with the fact he’s played under 3 different managers in a new league, I believe he’s done quite well. Always looks a threat when we play and as a team we look better when he’s on the pitch. Towards the end of the season and next year we will see exactly what he’s capable of. My Verdict: Keep
Alexandre Lacazette
Was unplayable at times last season, his first touch, passing, movement and finishing was all on point which lead to him getting our POTS award. When he’s firing the Frenchman is a top class player, however this season has been a different story as he’s struggled with injuries and form. Unfortunately, I don’t think Aubameyang and Lacazette can work in the same team unless you play 2 upfront which Arteta won’t do, therefore I think we may end up losing one of them. I’m not 100% sure on this one so I will let you guys decide:
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Without his goals over the last two seasons, who knows where we would be. One of the best strikers in the league, as he is consistent in finding the net whether it’s from the left or centrally. Although his hold up play isn’t his strongest point, the way he moves in and around the box is unrivalled and that’s why he is able to score so many goals. If he’s willing to sign another contract we 100% need to keep him.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments. In my opinion, I believe we should keep a lot of the players we currently have, as we need to build a strong enough squad to compete on all fronts and even though they may not be good enough to start week in week out, having adequate back ups is helpful for creating competition and when we get injuries. As we all know currently we aren’t performing at the standard required, therefore in the summer I am expecting Arteta to be backed in the market so we can make instant changes to the starting 11, which as a result will make some of our current starters into squad players.
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James Humphreys
Gunners Daily 