Rio Ferdinand believes the signing of Shkodran Mustafi could fire them towards the Premier League title this season.
Arsene Wenger was busy in the summer transfer window, particularly in the defence department, signing Mustafi from Valencia for £35 million and acquiring young Rob Holding from Bolton.
While Holding held the fort for a couple of games, it’s Mustafi who has certainly strengthened the defensive line and looks to have formed a solid partnership with Laurent Koscielny.
Although Wenger was more than likely looking to sign a centre-back over the summer, Mustafi was brought in due to the injury to Per Mertesacker, who has yet to feature for the Gunners this season.
However, Ferdinand doesn’t believe Mertesacker is the right fit for the Gunners, and claims Mustafi is a perfect partner for Koscielny:
The former Manchester United defender turned pundit told the London Evening Standard:
‘This is the best back four I have seen at Arsenal for many a year. They are settled and look confident.
‘Laurent Koscielny has been one of the most consistent defenders for the last few seasons and has found a great partner in summer signing Shkodran Mustafi.
‘I didn’t think Per Mertesacker was the right fit for Koscielny, Arsenal or this League.
‘Mertesacker is a very good player and it’s unfortunate that he got an injury before the start of the season, but I think he may be more suited to other divisions in Europe.
‘Wenger spent a reported £35million on Mustafi from Valencia in August and he’s looked a great acquisition so far.’
Although Ferdinand praised Mustafi’s arrival, he did also recognise the full-backs contribution to their fine form:
‘But their improvement at the back this season is not just about Koscielny and Mustafi. I like the full-backs they have too.
‘Arsenal’s success in the early years of Wenger’s reign was built on a solid back four and if they can get that right again now, they will have a good chance of winning silverware.’
The back four certainly looks more solid and improved than previous years, but this isn’t only down to Mustafi’s inclusion in the side – the team in whole have been working hard for each other.
Arsenal have conceded 10 goals in 10 games so far this season in the Premier League, and if they can continue to defend they have been and scoring goals then they have a real shot of winning the title this season.
Early days still, but the Gunners’ defence does look more assured with Mustafi in it.
