Just looking today, this is his 5th consecutive start and he is only 23. Wenger obviously see's something in him which is good.
The question still remains, is he going to be the player that Arsenal need? He's had 1 good game at City so far and the others he hasn't been as noticeable, but, Arsenal won in all of them games and only conceded 2 goals (and they were against Brighton, 3 league clean sheets). So that obviously shows that he has made some difference because in Arsenal's previous 4 results they only won 2 of the 4 and didn't keep a clean sheet.
However, can he do it on a consistent basis now? We aren't just talking about 4/5 games where the stats and results look good. We are talking about a good 2/3 months (or maybe until the end of the season). But Arsenal want to challenge the title every season and everyone knows that. He is still only 23 and has another year or maybe 2 to develop and the hit his prime. The problem is, will Coquelin be a good fit for Arsenal?
When Coquelin is in his prime, will he be as good as players such as Matic, De Rossi, Lars Bender etc when they were/are playing in their prime? Them 3 are the defensive midfielders that are better than Coquelin and would improve on him now and would help Arsenal even more towards the title. That's the deciding question really. Is he going to be as good as them in their prime and will he be able to have the effects like what them 3 can have on a game?
I'll leave that for Arsenal fans to judge.
Francis Coquelin
posted on 1/2/15
Red card in the not too distant future,needs to work on his self control.
posted on 1/2/15
He looks okay, presses the ball well.
posted on 1/2/15
TikiTakaFootball49
Well even still, that shows when he plays then, Arsenal haven't conceded a goal. Sorry if my stats were slightly wrong however.
posted on 1/2/15
If you're watching the game today you'll concede he has been solid and has put himself about very effectively.
I liked him since I watched him play I think against Bolton in the league cup about 3 seasons ago. I thought he had a future with us after his performance against spurs in the league.
And now I think he's one of our most important players.
posted on 1/2/15
gunnersfiringblanks
He looks to have been having another good solid game, but even still like above, in another 2 years, will he be as good as Matic, Bender and De Rossi (and them sorts of players) in their prime? They are defensive midfielders capable of winning you a league, is Coquelin?
posted on 1/2/15
Did you hear Wenger before the game? Alan Smith asked him why it has taken Coquelin so long to break into the team and the boss said Francis considered himself as a box to box player rather than a holding midfielder and had to be convinced he was the latter.
posted on 1/2/15
Game glorious game
I don't think he is as good as either of the two players you mentioned but he could well be in a few seasons.
As it stands, I'm just enjoying watching him play a simple game and defending like a beast. He didn't put a foot wrong today. Be interested to see his stats!
posted on 1/2/15
I've said a few times that he bosses the other players around as well to keep better defensive shape. And then the number of interceptions he made against Man C was ridiculous.
posted on 1/2/15
Master-Creator
This is actually where this article came fro, that interview.
posted on 1/2/15
I want Coquelin signed up ASAP, I think he had yet another fine game today and I see him as our long term DM if he keeps improving and stays consistent.