Why this young midfield enforcer has a future at Arsenal

The burly defensive midfielder has all the credentials to succeed. His aggressive and no nonsense tackles reminds me that of Patrick Vieira. Though not much of a dribbler, he is a raging bull and a destroyer, a quality needed to survive in the defensive midfield role, especially in the Premier League. In addition, Frimpong has an exceptionally work-rate, lots of stamina, grit and determination, and is not short of pace either.

Frimpong is expected to be fit for the start of next season and with players expected back from injury, loan spells and mooted inclusion of others, he will definitely face stiff competition for places.

Some of the contenders for the DM role, where young Frimpong plies his trade, include Alex Song, who is undoubtedly Wenger’s and some of the Arsenal fans’ first choice. Also expected to vie for a place in that role is Denilson, who is presently on loan at Sao Paulo. The Brazilian has seen playing time in his native Brazil, and who knows, he may comeback and give Song a run for his money. Abou Diaby has often deputized in this position, but he is not much of a candidate as he is given more of a free role by Wenger. Two other youngsters who are sure to contend with Frimpong in the DM role are Francis Coquelin and Craig Eastmond. Also with the reported interest in Rennes midfielder Yann Mvila, Frimpong might be looking at more playing time next season via the Carling Cup and perhaps the FA Cup. However, regular playing time in the Premier League looks very unlikely.

Due to his qualities of aggression, pace, power, agility and work rate, I would suggest Wenger doesn’t let Frimmers go anywhere, as he is not only at the beginning of his career, but he also has all the right qualities and ability to succeed at the north London club. The other contenders in the DM role tend to be too soft at times and are known to take it easy on opposition players, not Frimpong. We need a midfielder of such robustness in whom opponents are scared of.

Yes no team wants a player who will constantly see red cards, but every team needs a no nonsense player who can harass opposition players off the ball, and if my defensive midfielders don’t rack up the cautions, who else will? Of course no disrespect to Gilberto Silva, who played for so long in the same role without a yellow card, but my point is a player of Frimpong’s nature can be calmed down by the gaffer while doing the dirty job and running opponents scared. Simply put, Frimpong is a player who stands up for his team-mates and this is a quality every successful team can do with.

On his long-term future, patience will be required from him, Wenger and the fans, as he has the right ingredients to be a regular in Arsene’s plans overtime. Also, considering the amount of injuries that decimate the Arsenal squad, it will be advisable to keep this up-and-coming talent, as it won’t be wise to train such a potential enforcer only to lose him to another club and have him come back to haunt us as several players have done in the past.

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