Forget all of the hype over Alexandre Lacazette’s move to Arsenal, it has been another summer arrival that has been making quite the impression at the Emirates throughout pre-season to date.
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Sead Kolasinac isn’t a name that many people would have heard of before June but boss Arsene Wenger has done a smart piece of business in securing the 23-year-old from Schalke on a free deal.
Deployed as a left wing-back in the Bundesliga, Wenger has trialled him in this role as he looks to continue his 3-5-2 experiment from last season and Kolasinac has taken to it like a duck to water.
He’s a calm and composed player on the ball, happy to keep things ticking along in his designated left wing-back role, but in the blink of an eye he can turn on the after-burners and drive with intent.
During the Emirates Cup victory over Benfica Kolasinac was involved in two of Arsenal’s first-half goals, showing intense levels of persistence and determination on the edge of the opposition area to shrug off challenges, hit the by-line and find his man, and this intent could earn him numerous assist points.
He followed up these performances with a second half goal in the Community Shield against Chelsea, a game in which he arrived from the bench to score his side’s equaliser, taking the game to penalties.
His ability going forward was clear for all to see. Playing at centre-back, having replaced Per Mertesacker, he was regularly seen carrying the ball into the opponent’s half, stepping out of the back line and spearheading Arsenal’s advances.
Although his attacking nature will no doubt reap its rewards this season, his stocky build and physical presence also hints that he’ll be more than adept in defence, shrugging off his man easily.
If Arsene Wenger can sort out a regular back-line – most likely utilising a wing-back system – then the Bosnian’s defensive prowess will no doubt be key in earning Arsenal clean sheets as well.
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After trialling and using the likes of Kieran Gibbs and Nacho Monreal down the left last season, Arsenal may finally have found the perfect match, and he could turn out to be an excellent Draft Fantasy Football pick.
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