Tuesday, May 24, 2011

A "dream team" for Arsenal's next season

The season has ended and is another disappointment for Arsenal fans. I would like to reiterate my "dream" Arsenal team for next season. I think the so-called dream team is achievable and I hope it works.

[those in brackets are those in rotation/second lineup/backups]
4-4-2
GK: Shay Given (Wojciech Szczesny)
LB: Glichy (Gibbs)
CD: Vermaelen (Squillaci)
CD: Roger Johnson (Djourou/Koscielny)
RB: Sagna (Eboue)
LM: Asharvin (Diaby/Nasri)
DM: Scott Parker (Alex Song)
M: Fabregas (Wilshere)
RM: Walcott (Rosicky/Ramsey)
AM/F: Nasri (Rosicky/Asharvin/Walcott)
F: Van Persie (Bendtner/Chamark)

4-3-3
GK: Shay Given (Wojciech Szczesny)
LB: Glichy (Gibbs)
CD: Vermaelen (Squillaci)
CD: Roger Johnson (Djourou/Koscielny)
RB: Sagna (Eboue)
M: Wilshere (Diaby/Ramsey)
DM: Scott Parker (Alex Song)
M: Fabregas (Wilshere/Diaby)
AM/F: Walcott (Rosicky)
AM/F: Nasri (Asharvin)
F: Van Persie (Bendtner/Chamark)

Looking at Arsenal's style, I prefer a 4-3-3 as we're not a wing play team who crosses in effectively for headers and scoring opportunities. The more compact 3 man midfield is versatile and help to keep possessions better, with the roaming left and right AM/F running up and down the wings to create more space for passing.

Having a DM like Scott Parker would also mean more protection for the back four, as well as to win the ball in midfield and assure an attacking Fab or Wilshere that they can charge up without worries. Alex Song is not a DM in my opinion and he's not combative enough (I would think Wilshere is more combative but he needs to improve his tacking timing). Alex Song enjoys attacking more - so does the rest like Diaby, Fab and Wilshere.

Birmingham is relegated and Roger Johnson might move and he's a good defender to have - tall, good with headers(Arsenal's weakness), and a combative defender that Arsenal sorely need. Djorou is just not good enough - he's like another Senderos; decent but not exceptional.

I don't think Shay Given would want to stay as No.2 in Man City for long. He would probably take up Arsenal's offer but of course, Man City won't make it easy or cheap but he might just hand in a transfer request for a move. We need a top class goalkeeper and we can't shrink on the budget for this important component which has won us trophies (David Seaman, Lehmann).

So please Mr.Wenger. Buy us some good stuff and go for the title.

2 comments:

blogpastor said...

Yes Scott Parker would fit the bill. But will Wenger take on the 30 year old on an attractive contract when he refused to budge for Gallas, etc. Hope he'll be more flexible!

Jason said...

I think Wenger should be more flexible now. Having Campbell and Lehmann back temporary even when they are oldies is a telling sign that Wenger misses his old guard.

As for Gallas, my suspicion is that he wants too much money. (why is probably also the reason why Toure is sold). Wenger is probably the only manager of a top EPL club who has not allowed a player to hold the club ransom to wages. Others have all broken their banks and that is not good for their finances.