Arsenal have had a lot of injury problems this season and that has caught them out mostly in defence, if not in every position. Arsenal have had to play with Monreal as a centre back recently, something that the Spanish left back isn’t used to, they even have used Mathieu Debuchy as a centre back, although primarily he is a right back.
And understandably Arsene Wenger has been linked with a possible move for several defenders in the past few weeks and one such player is Schalke captain Benedikt Howedes, the 26 year old German who was part of the 2014 World Cup winning squad. He is contracted to remain at Schalke until 2017 and he would be a brilliant addition to the Gunners team although he would cost around the £15million. So here are 3 reasons why this signing could work out for Arsenal.
German partnership
Howedes might not have won much for the Royal Blues but he played every single minute of Germany’s World Cup winning campaign. He with Mertersacker would make an amazing centre back pairing, not only because they are German but they have been in the same squad for quite a while.
They both can pass the ball around well with Howedes often moving out and dribbling the ball from defence to set up the midfield, the pair can work together although Howedes isn’t gifted with pace, he can still learn from Mertersacker who has been one of the best defenders in the league even though he clearly lacks a yard of pace. More than that, Howedes could forge an even better partnership with Laurent Koscielny. Given that Howedes is a bit slower than the Frenchman, it could ideal for him to move forward with his dribbling abilities while, Koscienly can sit back and defend with his no nonsense approach.
With the absence of Koscienly in the first half of the campaign, Mertesacker has looked below par and was subject to several mistakes that cost his side. With the addition of Howedes, Wenger would have that leverage of trying out different combinations, the one, which would instill a sense of fear for the defenders as the starting berth for the two centre back slots will always be under scrutiny.
Howedes can play in multiple positions
Benedikt Howedes can play across the entire back line, he can play as a left back, right back and centre back, and he can also play as a wing back if the team needs it. Arsene Wenger has often said he likes players who can play in multiple positions and Howedes is actually one such player who can do so.
He started his career as a defensive midfielder for Schalke before moving to the left back role and now plays in the heart of the defence. Arsene would love to have such a versatile player, who can cover many positions but is never uncomfortable in doing so.
Heading ability
Howedes is known for his aerial ability, he often helps set up goals in the attacking third for Schalke from dead ball situations but is more adept at heading the ball clear from danger. Arsenal have missed a presence like this in the heart of the defence for some time now, even during the loss to Stoke, they needed someone to just win those first balls and clear the danger and Howedes has made a career from that at Schalke.