Arsenal Opinion: Should Arsene Wenger Replace Per Mertesacker In The Starting Lineup?

Arsenal has finally figured out the solution to their defensive woes in the ongoing season. Arsene Wenger signed the Brazilian center back Gabriel Paulista from La Liga side Villarreal in this January to solve his problems in the defense department. It was evident that Per Mertesacker is well past his prime and no longer provides enough assurance in the defense. Speed was always his problem and now the German is facing technical problems owing to his age. It was necessary to bring in a quality young center back, who could be depended upon. Paulista initially struggled to fit into this Arsenal side. He took time, but now he as adjusted himself well to the Premier League conditions.

He was fielded against Everton last week. He did fairly well in that game. Apart from a few mistakes he was rock solid beside Laurent Koscielny and made crucial interceptions. Unfortunately, against Queens Park Rangers, he went out with a hamstring injury.

Gabriel Paulista is just 24-years-old. He still has a long way to go. Under Laurent Koscielny’s leadership, he has the potential to grow up to become one of the finest defenders in the league. It is, of course, a long-term process. Also, Arsenal has Calum Chambers in their squad who can play as a center back. He too is a quality signing which Wenger made last summer from Southampton. With so many quality youngsters under his belt, Arsene Wenger should slowly consider removing Per Mertesacker from the starting lineup of Arsenal. The young defenders should slowly get a head start over the old horse.

If we see the goal scoring and conceding tally for the teams this season, Arsenal does not have the problem regarding scoring. They have scored 53 goals so far, just 4 behind league leaders Chelsea. But they conceded way too many goals compared to their nearest competitors. They concede in crucial situations which ultimately cost them major points. Mertesacker has been at fault several times.

Arsenal is plagued with a series of injuries to their defenders. Gabriel Paulista is almost out for three weeks; Mathieu Debuchy has still not recovered from his injury in January. Arsene Wenger has no other option but to field Per Mertesacker in the current scenario. But for a better future, Mertesacker should be benched once all the defenders return.