Arsenal have yet again slipped in their Premier League pursuit in what can be called as their best chance for winning the trophy. Well, the title is gone and so is the faith in Arsene Wenger. The French manager made Arsenal what they are today, but maybe it is the time to leave the club and take a rest from football.
Leaving Arsene Wenger aside, the team performed really well in the first half of the season, but they failed to capitalize their chances. Koscielny has been present all the time for the team, but besides him, no one showed the desire to stand up alongside him.
Club’s vice-captain Per Mertesacker is not the same anymore. He was a fan favourite and was considered as the best after his arrival in 2013, but in the current season, he has been criticized heavily. Knowing the pace and tempo of the Premier League, he was nowhere near his previous standards and won’t be a shock if Arsene brings a new center back to replace the towering German in Arsenal’s defence. So, here we are stating 3 perfect replacements for Mertesacker at Arsenal-
Jose Maria Gimenez-
The 21-year-old Uruguayan professional currently plays for the Spanish giants Atletico Madrid. His name in the list is surely a strange one, but he has got the talent to compete in the top flights of English football.
In his 27 appearances for the Spanish side, the young Uruguayan has won 52% of his average duels in La Liga this term. He also averages 9 defensive actions per game and that is something very cheerful. He has succeeded in his 56 out of 83 headed duels in the season and also have won 9 out of his 14 individual take ons.
The young defender is becoming the hottest prospect around Europe and is a highly rated center back. He cannot match the towering abilities of Mertesacker, but his South American tenacity makes him a tough one to beat.