Arsenal’s Dream XI To Play Next Season

Make no mistake, this is not the Arsenal who were easy on the eye but failed to produce the goods when it mattered. Arsene Wenger’s side have managed to more-or-less eliminate the head-thumpingly stupid losses and lacklustre draws against teams they are expected to beat without breaking a sweat. Except the opening day defeat against Aston Villa, and the inevitable struggle at the Brittania – a rejuvenated Arsenal have managed to staunch the drip of silly points. This is what precisely drove them to the Premier League summit earlier this season, this is what kept in the hunt until their usual slump in February-March. Something we have grown more than used to over the last few seasons.

But the question remains, where does Arsene Wenger need to strengthen? Wenger’s reluctance to explore the market in January and bring in the necessary attacking reinforcements has cost Arsenal badly, and Wenger will have some shopping to do come this summer.

We, at SOCCERSOULS, decide to help Arsene Wenger make his decision and pick the Dream Arsenal XI next season.

Wojciech Szczesny – GK

Among the many positives Arsene Wenger can draw from this season is the form of goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny after a couple of patchy campaigns. Wenger’s decision to place his faith in the Polish No. 1 has been vindicated and Szczesny has no doubt made the goalkeeping position at Arsenal his own.

Seamus Coleman – RB

Why Seamus Coleman, you ask? Why not? French full-back Bacary Sagna seems to be on his way out and with Carl Jenkinson looking far from ready to graduate from a part-timer to a regular fixture in the team, Coleman is arguably the best choice to fill in at right back next season.

Per Mertesacker – CB

To be perfectly honest, I did not fancy Mertesacker at all until last season, but the German has rose to heights that is needed for a Premier League defender. A proven customer at the international level, Mertesacker’s experience is exactly what Arsenal need in what could be a very important season.

Laurent Koscielny – CB

Laurent Koscielny has had his fair share of detractors, and to be honest, he has earned them with some dreadful performances. But the Frenchman has been rock solid at the back for Arsenal and would once again be one of the first names on the team sheet next season.

Kieran Gibbs – LB

Kieran Gibbs is the Phil Jones of Arsenal. Unquestionable potential, but far too much time spent on the treatment table. Let’s hope the young full back can stay injury-free and own the left back spot at Arsenal.

Aaron Ramsey – DM

Aaron Ramsey’s turnaround at Arsenal is a credit to Arsene Wenger’s judgement and his belief in the midfielder’s potential. Ramsey was a key player in the sensational first half of the season that Arsenal enjoyed, and has added goals to his game in addition to an incredible engine, which makes him invaluable at the heart of Arsenal’s midfield.

Lars Bender – DM

Temperamental? Yes, maybe! World-class? Undoubtedly. The German International comes in a perfect blend of both attacking and defensive abilities and could be prove to be a vital cog in the Gunners midfield. With an ageing duo of Flamini and Arteta being bullied by Premier League midfielders, Bender along with the like of Ramsey and Wilshere can take this club to the next level.

Julian Draxler – LW 

Arsene Wenger’s reluctance to dive into the inflated market will be tested if Julian Draxler becomes available in the summer. The German international has all the makings of a truly world-class player, and Wenger will have to shell out big money if he intends to add Draxler to his squad.

Mesut Ozil – CAM

Mesut Ozil’s signing from Real Madrid last summer was a statement of intent. A resounding declaration that Arsenal are now ready to compete with the big guns on an equal footing – both on the field and in the market. And his impact was instant, and although he has come under criticism recently, a player of Ozil’s class can never stay out of form for too long, can he?

Theo Walcott – RW

Arguably Arsenal’s natural attacking threat and the one attacking player the Gunners missed the most this season. Having missed most of the campaign, Arsenal fans would hope that the English International can be fit on time before the next season.

Mario Mandzukic – ST 

It is highly unlikely that a striker of the ability of Mandzukic would settle for a spot on the bench in the wake of the imminent arrival of Lewandowski at the Allianz Arena. The Croatian is a proven goal scorer at the highest level, and with Arsene Wenger keen on a top-class striker, Mandzukic could be exactly what Arsenal need.