All entertaining sides have a spine of core players on which the team bases it’s effectiveness on. The Invincibles and Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona side had that. Its also a trait we saw in Jurgen Klopp’s Dortmund side who secured back to back Bundesliga success. Now it all seems to be coming together for Arsenal, who seem to be building something special in midfield. But to eclipse the achievements of the aforementioned trio, Arsene needs to explore new possibilities.
The New Core??
To produce attacking football of the highest quality, I think there needs to be a formation change from the current 4-2-3-1 we adopt, to a more fluid 4-3-1-2 system. This will afford the team to include the duo of Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere and Mesut Ozil in their best positions, without it affecting the need to purchase a mobile game reader to screen the back four. Win win.
More so, this system would be extremely fluid. With a three man pivot, we finally get the chance to see Aaron and Jack strut their stuff in central midfield without holding back, with a more defensive minded player in between them to cover ground and anticipate opposition attacks. That’s not all.
Mesut, acting as the “one” in this formation would have the liberty to roam left or right (which he absolutely loves to do) while still remaining at the core of every move the team makes. His ability to work the channels on the wings would also afford the duo of Jack and Aaron to make their respective on and off the ball forays. How exciting for the team and devastating for opponents.
The One! – This system would bring out the dynamism in Mesut.
Then there’s the small matter of the two forwards. With the high possibility of bringing in at least one attacker this summer and the imminent return of Joel Campbell, this is where the spine tingles most. The system should also finally see the team get the best out of Theo Walcott, Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski, who all love to be partnered in attack. Remember they have an embarrassment of creativity behind them.
The Best of Theo in 2014/15?
Then there’s the bench. I feel extremely sorry for Santi as a change to this system means he might not hold down a regular spot in the starting XI but the 29-year-old will get games, nonetheless. His versatility and craft from the bench will be priceless for the side and affords us the unusual luxury of bringing on a world class player to add another dimension to our attack. The occasional change to a 4-3-2-1 system in some games, would also bring the Spaniard back to the helm of affairs, where he’ll be able to partner Mesut.
Ox to compete with Jack
Another explosive option from the bench would be Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, who’ll be directly competing with Jack and Aaron for a spot in central midfield. This keeps the trio on their toes, whichever way you view it. He could also occasionally debutize for Ozil, which I feel is an interesting prospect for different reasons.
Other potential impact players will be Serge Gnabry and Joel Campbell who can both play as the “one” behind the striker, as well as the “two” furthest players in attack. Looks like that persistent issue of depth could well be a thing of the past. Make the change Arsene!
Jack’s year surely?!
Finally, Jack’s inclusion in this XI would be timely and re-assuring for the England International. Like he stated few days ago, he’ll be 23 next year and is entering a crucial phase of his career. He was shuffled in and out of the team last year owing to competition and niggling injuries but still managed to provide his best tally of goals and assists for the team. I genuinely believe we’ll see a more matured Wilshere next term, springing up consistent performances similar to his excellent 2010/2011 campaign.
So there you have it. We all complained about the team’s predictability at some point last season but perhaps a formation change is all we need to correct that, and ensure we get the best out of what Arsene deems our core players.
And of course you can’t rule out the possibility of a few additions to the side can you?
A young Nigerian columnist who loves to spot a hidden link. There’s no such thing as coincidence in football. Massive fan of The Arsenal and a little obsessed with tactics.
Really interesting piece, thanks man.
This team lacks a lot of width.
Would love to see this combination. Especially with two upfront. Awesome view bro.
It is all well when we attack. Defense is also equally important as attack. Teams can easily dominate us by using wing play.
Totally agree. I think we have an abundance of talent in the middle. You make a very interesting case. Thanks, man!
interesting idea and what isn’t mentioned is the ability to play with wing backs to keep our width in attack. arsenal play with very high fullbacks anyway so this formation suits that aspect, however the 4-3-1-2 would not be a safe formation against the bigger teams who would have a fair share of ball possession. your offering no protection to fullbacks as brooklyn above said. i feel as the club plays now best suits our players. walcott plays best coming inside the fullbacks and playing between the centre half and full back as does joel campbell for Costa Rica from what i have seen of him in the world cup. our left wing is our weakest and a better left footed player is needed such as angel di maria. This gives the 4-2-3-1 a better balance and gives giroud a better delivery service from the left. Santi always drops to receive the ball and never offers a run in behind and this stifles our attacks on the left. But i agree also that 4-3-1-2 offers an interesting approach to some games. ozil needs options and giroud ,walcott and ramsey the deep third runner gives him some real options
Thanks for all the comments y’all. Really appreciate them. I envisaged the wing/width problem but I forgot to add that in this set-up, Ozil and one of the two forwards will stay wide when defending/off the ball. They’ll move back into position when in transition. Ozil wouldn’t find this difficult as he’s doing that job quite well for Germany. His deceptive burst of pace and discipline aids him in fulfilling this task.
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