Bacary Sagna was definitely the man of the match during Arsenal’s match against Sunderland last week. A player who was in the worst form of his life was told Told at the very last minute that he would have to play at centre-back, a position he’s not really been tested in competitive games. But the French International stepped up to the occasion and was brilliant throughout the game. He was defensively sound and held his own in the air.
Arsenal’s regular centre-back partners Vermaelen and Koscielny are still recovering from their injuries and a major doubt for this weekend’s FA cup clash against Blackburn and if they continue to struggle with fitness, should Arsenal start Sagna as a centre-back? Sagna’s worst attribute probably is his inconsistent crossing, a centre-back could not be a worse position for him. His heart was completely with the Arsenal when playing against Sunderland, putting his body on the line to win the game. So why not continue him as a CB.
Some stats from last week’s game: 11 successful clearances of 15, 9 out of 11 aerial clearances were successful. The French defender also won 6 out of 10 aerial duels. He’s 5ft 9. Now that’s up against Stephen Fletcher and other ‘big’ players from corners etc. Can he actually play in the heart of the defence for years to come? Perhaps that may earn him a longer contract.
The likes of Maldini and Thuram made the switch from fullback to centre-back with successful results. Fabio Cannavaro was the same height as Sagna, and recognised as one of the best centre-backs in his time.
I’m not saying Sagna should feature as a centre-back regularly, however he is a decent option to have and certainly a better option than youngster Ignasi miquel.
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