Arsenal had a great outing last game against Brentford in the Carabao Cup. Their new recruits have played thier role in what appears to be an evolution of the club from last year’s squad , with stars like Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla signing for West Ham and Villareal respectively, leaving Arsenals’ midfield vulnerable.
Even injuries from Laurent Koscielny and Sead Kolasinac left the North Londoners’ defense vulnerable. Thankfully, the newly joined players were given a chance in the pre-season friendlies. This gave them a lot of confidence and were received well at the Emirates.
The new recruits who joined this season are :
Bernd Leno
Break from Sports Photography for a few weeks as I’m off to get married! But here’s a couple of my images in today’s @islingtongztte #arsenal pic.twitter.com/hi2xq5z5wq
— MH Sports Photo – Martyn Haworth (@mhsportsphoto) September 27, 2018
The goalkeeper was purchased for a whooping 19 million pounds from Bundesliga team Bayer Leverkusen and is a signing made for future, particularly as a backup to Cech. He made his first official start as the goalkeeper during the Europa League game against FC Vorskla. He was given a chance to prove his worth as the veteran goalkeeper(Petr Cech) could soon be rested on the bench and Leno would be given an opportunity to represent Arsenal in the Premier League.
Matteo Guendouzi
The French teenager was transferred to London for 7 million pounds after playing for the French U-19 team where he impressed the scouts. His vision and defensive ability is an added advantage which speaks beyond his age. He could replace Wilshere and his ball interceptions are one of the best in the League.
Guendouzi has it all.
Athleticism & exceptional ability, reminds me of a certain French midfielder who plays for a team in Manchester…
However, he cost us the free kick that lead to their goal and it was a silly foul. Needs to cut that out though will come with experience.
— The Arsenal (@DareToWenger) September 26, 2018
He is more than a perfect candidate for the defensive midfielder position and doubtedly the best signing for Arsenal this summer when it comes to the future of Arsenal’s midfield.
Sokratis Papastathopoulos
The Greek defender has shown passion at his centre-back position. He joined his ex-teammate and Arsenal’s record breaking signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund for he has displayed a lot of passing which seems to be an inherent feature to his game. He does commit fouls very often, but he can also be devastating if he continues to improve under the new gaffer, Unai Emery.
Sokratis has really surprised me since joining. Solid, reads the game well and has bags of pace. Look forward to him partnering Koscielny at the back.
— AFCAMDEN (@AFCAMDEN) September 20, 2018
He has started all the League games for Arsenal till now and his chemistry with Shkodran Mustafi will be vital for the defense to improve as they hadn’t kept a single clean sheet in the Premier League until last against Everton but it will take time for Sokratis to settle in defense being a new signing and especially playing the Premier League.
Lucas Torreira
The 22-year-old signing from Sampdoria is great at ball interceptions. Arriving from Sampdoria for 26 million pounds, he being small and built, tends to get pushed around a lot. This results in him playing a lot of short passes. But also has the added disadvantage of not being able to win aerial duels most of the time.
Sokratis on Torreira: "When he is off the pitch, he is so calm but when he is on the pitch, it is like ‘Transformers’, he becomes crazy! He works very good, he is small but he is strong enough" #Arsenal pic.twitter.com/11qFa8Rkwr
— Gurjit (@GurjitAFC) September 28, 2018
He has the drive within him to become better everyday and pushing limits to test his body even though he started only 1 game(last game against Everton) in the League. But Torriera has been influenctial whenever coming off the bench and compliments Xhaka very well. It has always been difficult for a new signing, espically a midfielder to adjust to the physicality of the Premier League and in terms of duration, Torriera has been excellent so far.
Stephan Lichtsteiner
The Swiss international joined Arsenal as a free signing from Juventus. His experience is very valuable and the dressing room talks by him could be motivational and inspirational as he was earlier the captain of Juventus and knows what the job of a captain entails.
Lichtsteiner: "We want to play for titles – each title, more & bigger ones. All titles are important for this club & we just want to try & win. We need to be hungry in training every day & in the games to see the smallest details" #Arsenal pic.twitter.com/soBBgdvA46
— Gurjit (@GurjitAFC) September 27, 2018
He played in the Europa League match and may be denied playtime due to Hector Bellerin who has occupied the spot in the main squad but the veteran brings more than cover to the Spanish right back and can prove to be an intelligent signing for the Gunners
Arsenal has a very future that lies ahead because of these prospects who could ameliorate their game and fans would be happy with Club’s signing business and with the performances of the newly arrived players.