We have many midfielders in our ranks but there is only one that can organize it , track back and protect the back-line, and that’s Mathieu Flamini.
Arsene Wenger, however, has picked Mikel Arteta ahead of the Frenchman at times, and on some occasions has played the Spaniard alongside Flamini. But the partnership has not worked to out liking.
Wenger has also tried playing Jack Wilshere with Flamini in front of the defence and although the former gets forward well and looks to create, the England international doesn’t track back often enough to help out the latter.
For me, Flamini, unless he’s injured or suspended, should be starting every game from now until the end of the season. His leadership qualities and combativeness yesterday against Stoke was hugely missed and Wenger made a mistake by not playing him in a physical game like that.
Now we all know Arteta is not a natural defensive midfielder, but Wenger has positioned him there since his arrival from Everton in 2011. And although he has a brilliant passing range and can dictate games from this position, the 31-year-old just doesn’t have the legs to get back and isn’t a defence-minded player.
With this being said, I believe Wenger should consider who he plays alongside Flamini, and for me, there is one player which could potentially do a great job beside the tenacious Frenchman and hasn’t been seen for a long time – our captain Thomas Vermaelen. Although the Belgian is a centre-back by trade he can play in front of the back four and would, in my opinion, have a great understanding with Flamini, as both are leaders and command those around them amply. In addition, Vermaelen’s positioning is superb and he reads the game equally as well.
If Wenger is intent on balancing defence while being potent going forward then why not give Vermaelen a go in the middle of the park next to Flamini? What’s the worst that could happen?
Wenger should give it a go and see what happens but I don’t think the Frenchman will.
Should Wenger consider playing Vermaelen in midfield?
Let us know what you think below
U absolute fool. U cnt convert a centreback / leftback in to a defensive mid at 28 years old…..hve u ever kicked a ball in your life
It’s a worthy suggestion, Vermalaen when he joined Arsenal from Ajax was even the leading goal scoring defender. He has the engine to sit in front of the defense and help out. Calling others fools and supporting tactics that have not yielded a trophy in 9 years, due to this rigid and monk like view of the world will not earn Arsenal a trophy. Wenger was invincible, now only his ego is invincible.
If flamini and verminator join there is no doubt our defencive display will improve… But what about the other side? among them who will play as a box to box player? Both of them have the tendency to sit deep and defenitely lacking the attacking attitude. So, contribution to final 3rd will be reduced. We should consider a song- Ramsey type player alongside flamini who can go forward as well.
Funny you mentioned the Stoke game. Our problem is that we couldn’t score, not defend.