Since Arsenal came so close to being eliminated from the Premier League, it should come as no surprise that they have been linked with a number of central midfielders. The question of whether the aim to enhance the first eleven should be a left-sided eight now that Havertz has moved further forward or a defensive midfielder now that Rice has moved into the spot vacated by the German seems to be the subject of discussion for a period of time. For a period of time, a number of supporters, including myself, advocated for the possibility of Arsenal investing in a left eight player of world-class caliber in order to enable Rice to return to his early season 6 role. On the other hand, after witnessing the efficacy of Declan in a more liberated state, my thoughts have shifted substantially. If it is true that Partey will be leaving this summer, as we have been told to believe, then my current recommendation is that we acquire another Declan Rice who is capable of performing any job. Having witnessed our record signing, together with his captain, Odegaard, lift this Arsenal club, I am certain that the combination of height, power, ball carrying, and a football intellect, to complement the master, is the way forward. This is because the master already possesses all of these qualities. It is what we seen throughout the run-in, with Partey being chosen over Jorginho, so we are aware that it is what Arteta prefers, despite the fact that he was deprived of getting it for the majority of the season.
At the same time that Rice is a wonderful and powerful ball carrier, Onana is also a ball carrier. This talent, which we have seen in action with Rice, as well as when we saw it working with Vieira twenty years ago, has the potential to immediately relieve pressure and transform defense into attack. In a front-footed and aggressive manner — With his head held high, he will quickly move from one situation to another, whether he is winning the ball in a tackle or intercepting it. One thing that Rice immediately realized is the most important thing for an Arteta team to have. In terms of passing, Onana had a completion rate of 85% in the Premier League in 23/24, which was not nearly as high as Rice’s 90% pass completion rate. When you take into account the fact that he was playing for a team that was having a hard time, and that he had a significantly lower degree of intelligent movement than he would have had at Arsenal, this level is not bad at all. In addition, he sends out two telling long passes every match on average, which is extremely comparable to Rice. Flexibility in tactical operations – Having Onana and Rice together provides Arteta with a wide range of tactical options, which is a significant advantage. It is possible for Onana to function as a lone pivot in the current 4123, he can switch roles with Rice during the game, and in select situations, he and Rice can play as a partnership in a 4231 for specific matches. Rice is so intelligent and adaptable that we know he will drop and sit in the second option, regardless of whether Onana is moving forward or carrying the ball into attack. This is because Rice is so intelligent and flexible. It is difficult to avoid thinking about Paddy and Gilberto when one considers the proportions of both players and their athleticism.
Leave a Reply