Alan Smith believes Sead Kolasinac has become a key player under Unai Emery this season.
The left-back has made just five Premier League appearances for the Gunners this season, but the Bosnian has quietly impressed in those games, particularly in the north London derby against Tottenham last Sunday and Manchester United in mid-week – despite a costly mistake.
Kolasinac has helped Emery’s side continue their current 20 game unbeaten run in all competitions, and Smith believes Kolasinac has played a big part in their recent success on the field, despite becoming a fringe player under Arsene Wenger:
“Sead Kolasinac’s form has slipped under the radar.
“Arsenal’s left-back is putting in some committed displays to lend the side a dangerous attacking threat as well as a natural defiance on the back foot.
“Getting fitter and sharper after a good run of games, Kolasinac is finally proving he can thrive at this level.
“Arsene Wenger, for one, did not seem sure. After buying him, Wenger appeared to quickly lose faith in the barrel-chested battler. You wondered if the lad had a future at the club.
“But he seems to have one now and is turning into a key player who has fully bought in to Unai Emery’s ways.”
Kolasinac has certainly relished each and every opportunity he has been given by Emery this season and has also flourished recently in the Spaniard’s new 3-5-2 system as of late.
Playing in the wing-back role suits the Bosnian more than being in a traditional back four as he now has more licence to bomb forward as well as do his defensive duties.
If he continues to impress, it will be hard to see Nacho Monreal back in the side when the Spaniard is back from his injury.
