Replacing Kieran Gibbs: Do Arsenal need a left back this January: Scouting the possible options
If I need to state Arsenal’s brilliant start to the 2013-14 EPL Campaign, don’t run away reading my next line. The Gunners have been sublime and immaculate barring their opening weekend’s blushes against Aston Villa at home. Since then Arsene Wenger’s boys have tuned the screws and been exquisite and truly sublime both home and away in the league. The transfer deadline day signing in Mesut Ozil has brought around a sense of exuberance in the team, sending shivers down the spine of the other nineteen competing teams in the Premiership, with the skies above Emirates shining and turning azure each passing week.
I have already stated that the Gunners do need a striker in the January Transfer window if Olivier Giroud has a concern or might get injured (Arsenal Fans pardon me for saying this). While Theo Walcott and Lukas Podolski are still on the sidelines nursing injuries, Arsenal have defended with much vigor and calm this season, but problems do persist. Mertesacker and Koscielny have been tight, getting a bit reckless at times and Vermaelen too is warming the bench. While Bacary Sagna or Carl Jenkinson have been quite solid in the right back position, it’s the other wing back position, the left back one will be a source of concern and worry for Arsene Wenger.
While Kieran Gibbs has been playing in left back preferred over Nacho Monreal, the latter making almost all his appearances from the bench, this is possible Arsenal’s weakest link. Gibbs, no doubt is very pacy, knows how to defend, also barges forward joining the attack, but does he possess the defensive prowess needed? At times he has been cut open by the opposition wingers and he faces a big test this coming weekend when Arsenal travel to Manchester United. Whether it’s Nani or Ashley Young or Valencia lining up against him, the young Gunner will be up for a test, which is sure to keep Arsene Wenger’s frowns on the forehead fluttering like waves. Arsenal though, will go into the game, in best confidence in recent years and would be eager to settle the pace and get a result from Old Trafford.
If at all Wenger does go out shopping for a left back, what are his options? Maybe Fabio Coentrao from Real Madrid is the best bet, the Portuguese falling in the ranks given Marcelo’s impressive form. With this season, being the launch pad for the World Cup next year in Brazil, Coentrao might jump on the chance to play regularly, that too in the Premier League. Juan Zuniga of Napoli is a good option as well, given Barcelona were also interested in the Colombian. However both of the above mentioned won’t come cheap, but for neither would Wenger have to break the bank.
The other option Wenger has at his hand is to maybe use Belgian and former club captain in Thomas Vermaelen as his left back if needed. Vermaelen has had an injury disrupted campaign, prevailing from last season, but on his day is one of the best to look forward to and is very tough to beat one on one. Whether Wenger decided to shop or not, is entirely up to him, but may the Arsenal in their tank keep flying high over the Emirates.