If Mr Wenger continues with the 4 at the back then there is an interesting battle about to start.
Sead Kolasinac has been highly praised since his summer move, while Nacho Monreal has been one of our best players this season.
Monreal will, of course, continue to be considered for a CB role - but fitness willing then Mustafi and Koscielny is surely the first choice partnership. That means Monreal and Kolasinac will be in direct competition for one role.
For me, despite a lot of positives, Kolasinac has been overhyped a bit. Defensively he has shown a fair few weaknesses, and has often been caught out of position. This can be attributed to playing as a wing back rather than the more conventional full back role, but he has still been found wanting at times.
Kolasinac seems far more effective going forwardand that is where Monreal becomes the better choice for a more conventional left back role. Far more solid defensively while also having attacking qualities.
This is without considering Mr Wenger may continue with Ainsley Maitland-Niles at left back.
Kolasinac or Monreal?
posted on 20/12/17
I doubt it
posted on 20/12/17
Why Kolasinac? Think we need more physical players against Liverpool. Monreal is a lightweight.
posted on 20/12/17
While Monreal is probably having the better season as a player, you have to go Kolasinic because Monreal has been in really poor form as a LB for the past year and a half.
Would be ideal if Wenger went with Kolasinac over Monreal but instructed him to be more defensive.
posted on 20/12/17
Wenger instructing his players. Nice one Edin
posted on 20/12/17
Kolasinac has been overhyped a bit.
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^This.
Kolasinac is slooooooowwwwwwww.
He can't cover the ground. If he gets caught up field and we lose possession, forget it....he aint getting back.
Watched him yesterday and every time he received the ball his instinct was to go back.
He's a bit of a social loafer.....oxygen thief.
posted on 20/12/17
Do people forget how often Monreal got roasted when he played left back in a back 4
posted on 20/12/17
Monreal's days as a LB are over. He's toast to anyone with decent skill or pace. His attacking senses are good though, but Kolosinac is superior. Kolosinac isn't too bad defensively, though could be better. Dunno why but Kolosinac crossing has gone down since he started. Seems to be the case for all our full backs
posted on 21/12/17
Perhaps Maitland-Niles has been given a couple of games with the first team to prepare him to be involved for the Liverpool game. Maybe Wenger thinks he's better equipped at dealing with the threat of Salah over Monreal and Kolasinac. So much forward planning has never been Wenger's approach though, especially from a defensive point of view.
Long term though, we have to back Kolasinac now and have Monreal as defensive cover. Monreal will get plenty of games whether at left back in league cup / FA cup / Europa League games as well as at centre back if Mustafi or Koscielny aren't fit.
posted on 21/12/17
Maybe Wenger thinks he's better equipped at dealing with the threat of Salah over Monreal and Kolasinac.
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Great point. Though Kolasinac makes up for the lack of pace with a great deal of experience and power.
posted on 22/12/17
Am more concerned about Xhaka can he play against a team that presses and plays at high speed?.
I hope this team will not donate 2 quick goals before 10 mins