Scouting for rough diamonds

by .

Today’s post is brought to you in association with Mike McDonald. He writes over at Gunnerstown, today he’s bringing you a scouting report from the Championship. Follow him on Twitter here.

“There are no easy games in the Premier League”

That’s always been a thing. In the past, the challenge for teams like Arsenal was overcoming the ‘smaller clubs’ work ethic, physicality, and direct style.

The challenge has changed. The team most likely to come last play some of the best football when they click, are often the lower placed teams.

What does this mean for Arsenal? Well, I’ve found 24 players from the teams below Arsenal that we could look at for the next transfer window. I’m particularly thinking of those that could get relegated.

As you’ll see, they would either improve our squad and most of them would improve our starting 11. Three will be relegated as we know, so those players price should drop too.

Let’s do this based on Arsenal’s needs rather than by team.

Back-up/3rd choice goalkeepers

I was convinced that Martinez would leave before Leno got hurt as he’s perfectly capable of being first choice at a good club. He may be encouraged to stay now if he keeps up his good form. Not sure how this will go so let’s assume we may need one.

I’d love to pick Fabianski as he’s greatly improved but he’s not coming to be back up again.

Matthew Ryan (BHA), Ben Foster(Watford), Freddie Woodman (Newcastle-currently on loan at Swansea).

Ryan is a good keeper but gets no press. Foster has improved with age and has great distribution. Arsenal have an interest in Woodman already. He may come as a package with his father who is a talented Academy coach. As you’ll see in the video, Woodman is a specialist PK saver and seems to have a strength in reaction saves.

Random fact…. Woodman is the Godson of Gareth Southgate

Right-back/right wing-backs

Hector Bellerin may stay at Arsenal. My thought is that if he does it will be based on patience for a guy who has been through a big injury and/or because we need his leadership.

It’s becoming hard to justify his demise. I’ve never been a big fan as I think he limits himself. It’s driven me crazy for years watching a laser fast player run down the wing, stop and pass it backwards. He could’ve pushed himself to use his pace to learn a trick and change of pace and added the embarrassing deficiency of not using the outside of his foot. Breathe, Mike. I’m just bothered by those who underachieve and because he’s such a good guy, it’s overlooked.

I’m thinking that there is a reason that Cedric got four years. He would’ve accepted two. He’s probably better than we realize.

Jeremy N’gakia (WHU) and Max Aarons (Norwich)

N’gakia is a new name to most. It will come as little surprise that he fits the profile of many young defenders… fast, quick, athletic and strong. He’s refused to sign a contract and he’s free this summer.

Like many under 20’s he will need space to improve his decision making.

Max Aarons will end up somewhere other than Norwich. He’s likely the hottest young PL right back. I’ve got a feeling City will see the Walker/Cancelo duo as ageing/unsettled. Could transform our right side, but do we have the funds to rebuild our midfield, get a CB and afford a RB too?

Left-back/left wing-backs

Everyone talks of Max Aarons. Rightly so.

Jamal Lewis (Norwich)

Do Arsenal need a LB/LWB more than a RB? I’ve come to that conclusion (see end of blog).

Jamal Lewis, like Aarons, is a modern full-back with a similar toolbox. Would probably cost the same as we’d get for Kolasinac and cost 50% of wages.

Centre Backs

So far, you’ve probably looked at the options above and been somewhat underwhelmed.

This list will change that. Most of these players start for Arsenal.

Tyrone Mings (Villa), Nathan Ake (Bournemouth), Ben Godfrey (Norwich), Issa Diop (West Ham), Jamal Lascelles (NU), Lewis Dunk and Ben White (BHA)

Mings and Ake would start for Arsenal and no doubt be our best CB’s. Mings is underrated for me. We are told these days to watch and judge our CB’s firstly on their ability to play out from the back. When I watch football I see CB’s passing to each other 50 times a game and forward’s three times. I see blocking, heading, organizing, tackling etc..

Tyrone Mings loves to defend. He loves that list.

Nathan Ake can do everything. If we matched him with Saliba you can defend 20 yards higher.

Dunk and Lascelles might be more industrial but as I said above, aren’t those qualities used more often anyway?

Diop is not a favourite of mine but I think I look at West Ham defenders the way the market looks at Arsenal defenders!

Godfrey and White (did you know that the highly-rated Leeds CB is on loan from BHA?) are younger and like Saliba, potentially top class. Do we look to partner Saliba with another youngster though?

Defensive Midfielders

One of these is an interesting thought. The other probably too expensive and the third, off to Spurs.

Phillip Billing (Bournemouth), Declan Rice (WHU) and Pierre Emil Hojbjerg (Saints)

Rice is an ever-improving ball-winning DM. His improvement is seen in his ability on the ball as his move from centre back has needed time.

Don’t stick your nose up at Billing. He’s better than you may realize. Oh how we could’ve utilized a tall, quick, athletic ball-winner this season.

Hojbjerg, like Billing, is a consideration as a very good squad player for Arsenal. A natural and highly impressive leader in an era when there are few. Simplistic yet effective modern midfielder.

Centre midfielders

Arguably the biggest need of improvement at AFC.

We currently look like a midfield put together by an executive who spends too much time on YouTube and has the life issue of falling in love too easily.

Arsenal didn’t need Ceballos when they had Guendouzi. They didn’t need Torreira because they needed a taller, more athletic DM.

Abdoulaye Doucoure

If the Thomas Partey rumours are true, I doubt we get Doucoure too.

Probably could’ve/should’ve signed Doucoure two years ago.

Attacking Midfielders

Another area of desperate need at Arsenal. Doesn’t have to be a number 10, but as we know there are wingers who stay wide and others who drift from wide into central areas. This is the ‘drifters.’

Jack Grealish (Villa), Todd Cantwell and Emiliano Buendia (Norwich) and Miguel Almiron (NUFC)

Here are four different options for the same role.

Grealish would be a huge upgrade for Arsenal. I think most of us realize that he will go to City or Utd and that we can’t financially compete or in current stature. Shame.

Cantwell is a Gooner. Like that. Personally, I don’t think he’s our level. That’s a pivotal role with much expected. Buendia is a different beast though. A diamond in the rough. Two footed, highly creative and great stats for a team bottom of the league.

I’m also a big fan of Miguel Almiron. As a Brit abroad, I’ve got to see him often when he was at Atlanta.

His acceleration is elite as is his directness. Much like Theo, he will get better results if he learns to slow his wheels before he passes or shoots.

Wingers

Do Arsenal need a winger?

If Aubameyang leaves looking at rumours (Kluivert, Veron etc..), it looks like perhaps we are going to sign one.

My thought is that Arteta wants one wide player inside (Auba) and the other on the paint (Pepe) and that this doesn’t suit Pepe. If Auba leaves, Pepe plays inside forward (phew!) and the wider player is on the left.

Allan Saint-Maximin (NUFC), Ismaila Sarr and Gerard Deulofeu (Watford) and Jarrod Bowen (WHU)

Bowen has electric speed and potential but like Cantwell, not sure he’s Arsenal level.

You may not like Deulofeu. I don’t know many that rate him. I think he’s got fantastic feet. Some players are average at average clubs. Some stay average at bigger clubs. Some just needed to be around better players. I think Delefeou falls into the latter category.

I have a theory on Sarr. Do you remember when the equally fast Adama Traore showed up in England? Lacked end product but huge potential. Just wondering if Sarr will figure it out like Traore, as he is a wonderful last twenty-minute option.

I was amazed when Saint-Maximin went to Newcastle. His take on numbers at Nice were second only to Messi. Unless NUFC improve quickly, he will end up at a far bigger club.

Strikers

I can’t see Lacazette staying. No way. His ego has been damaged by Eddie, he has some value in the market and honestly, it’s just not working.

Danny Ings (Saints)

The questions are being asked now. Is Ings capable of repeating this seasons stats at a bigger club? His Liverpool career was hampered by injury and lack of opportunity.

I’m a believer that players are unfairly judged by their look and name. Maybe he should get a hair transplant before people start noticing and believing he’s older than he is. Change his name to Danielo Inglo?

I really don’t know if he’d work at Arsenal. Undecided.

The decision

I’ve picked my Arsenal 20/21 squad already. It’s changed three times then again after I scouted Teun Koopmeiners at Alkmaar. I’ll let you check out his elite passing ability!

My 20/21 Arsenal squad includes one of the 24 listed above…. Nathan Ake.

I considered 12 of the list.

I kept all of current GK’s. After seeing our right back inverted as an extra CM, I kept AMN as first choice. Perfect role for him. I wonder if Osei-Tutu will be a factor?

I spent the money I think we will raise from sales on our midfield in particular and preferred Partey, N’didi and Koopmeiners, but thought hard about Billing as a back up DM.

I would’ve loved Grealish or Buendia but money sent me to West London to get Willian on a free, as it did when I chose free signings, Edinson Cavani, Malang Sarr and Santi Cazorla.

Would you buy from the clubs below us?

Hard to argue that the list of 24 isn’t very interesting!

@mike_Mmcdonald

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Aussie Gooner

Guns of SF

Best wishes for your son’s development as a footballer! Unfortunately application and teenage boys often does not go together! Those that develop at a steady pace often succeed – look at Tony Adams! Who on here is old enough to remember the donkey calls (sometimes from our own supporters!) that greeted him when he made it into first 11 and made numerous mistkes? He was strong enough to overcome this and had the character to make it.

Aussie Gooner

Mistakes!!!!

Gonsterous

Great post. I enjoyed it. I’ve always wondered why arsenal don’t buy more players from lower teams and it’s because we don’t have any one British in the club. Wenger always looked to the French market and abroad. Now we have raul and co who would rather pick someone up from real betis than look at the lower teams in the PL. On another note, I like that we are getting wins,but arteta needs to stop shouting the 90mins and just let the lads play. Let them express themselves is the phrase. Sure shouting sometimes helps but it could be… Read more »

Overmars

It’s a shame about Guendouzi, when he had that run in the team beginning of last season, it seemed that we found a bargain of a gem. At the age of 21 and to have played over 80 times in 2 seasons at Arsenal is nothing to be sniffed at. He’s also made the French squad on a couple of occasions, a team that dozens of class midfielders, but hasn’t made his debut yet. I said this a few weeks a go on Le Grove – it’s 50/50 situation with Guendouzi in the fact that if we sell him for… Read more »

Overmars

Just a quick note to add about Edu, Raul and co..

They scouted Martinelli from the Brazilian second tier, Guendouzi was playing in lique 2.

Wenger brought in Cohan Brammel a few years ago from non-league.

So they’re more than happy to look for players from the lower leagues if they’re good enough.

DivineSherlock

Its a shame re Guendouzi but at this point I trust Arteta’s judgement more than anything . He his trying to create a culture for the team and if Guendouzi is not up to it then sell him sure.

DivineSherlock

Also Nice work done scouting .
I would buy Saint Maximin , the guy is seriously good dribbler . We can Sell him for profit in 2 yrs time , get that money invested like Liverpool . Also you missed that Brighton LB whos starting for them now Lamptey . That kid is something.

Northbanker

What would be good if we didn’t need the money would be to loan out Guen for a year to a team like Dortmund. Give him some space to grow up and respond and then bring him back as a DM.

But I think we will just have to accept he will appreciate in value. If we get a decent fee now of £30 – 40m and that funds a top Youngish CM (I’m assuming Torreira sale will fund Partey) then It probably puts us in a better position than we are now.

Moray

This isn’t the 90s…there is a huge gulf now between the Premiership and other divisions, in terms of fitness and professionalism. As there is with the Premiership and many other leagueS around the world. That’s not to say that there are gems there to be found, but the days of picking a Bould or a Dixon from the lower leagues – and giving them playing time to improve to the necessary level for what is supposed to be a top 4 club – are long gone. On another topic, Chelsea are owning this window. The money they saved last season… Read more »

Receding Hairline

Guendouzi will move on, probably to a top club and determine how his career goes by his work rate and on pitch attitude which has been impeccable since his time here. Hopefully he is replaced with an actual footballer not just someone that “behaves well off the pitch”.

This is personal, anyone who thinks it isn’t is kidding themselves. Its sad that those that wanted his pay doubled and team built around him are leading the attitude mob, you can actually disagree with something a coach does no matter how much you back him. Its not a cult you know.

Emiratesstroller

There is growing evidence how Arsenal plan to change the squad next season. GK No material change DF We don’t need 8 CBs. I think that the maximum number is 5. Sokratis and Mavripanos will be sold. Chambers or Holding will be loaned out. WB There is some difference of opinion here. Some think that Bellerin could be sold and replaced. Also whether Kolasinac should be sold. I don’t think Bellerin should be sold, but I agree Kolasinac is surplus to requirement if Saka is alternative for Tierney. MF Mkhitaryan and Elneny should leave permanently. Guendouzi should also be sold.… Read more »

David Smith

Great having two very decent keepers, and now, a proper GK coach.
One of my biggest bugbears with Wenger was his choice of GK coach once Bob Wilson, Gerry Payton, acknowledged as useless by keepers who worked under him, yet Wenger kept this inept, but grateful yes man to the bitter end,

R.S.P.C.Arsenal

North banker
Very good point
Loan him out let him see what he has here.. May wake n shake him

Emiratesstroller

Un na naii I don’t think that Saliba will be loaned out, but I do see him starting off as a bench player. I agree with you that if Ceballos is retained it would be better that he stays on a loan basis. Whether RM will agree to that is debatable. In any event I don’t think that the club is so impoverished that they cannot afford to buy Partey and Szoboszlai if both Guendouzi and Torreira were sold. Sokratis and Mavropanos would cover cost of Mari and I think that there will be one or two departures from academy… Read more »

Dark Hei

Arteta is also benching, Ozil, but nobody is up in arms.

I like MG as a player, I think he is really good.

But then, he isn’t some club legend that I am emotionally attached to. If he goes, he goes. If he comes good, good for him too.

Graham62

Nice to see yet another team under Mourinho enjoying themselves playing anti-football.

The fact that this time it’s Spuds, makes it even more special.

Can’t believe that some folk on here wanted Mourinho to come to Arsenal.

Emiratesstroller

Graham 62

Agree 100% with your sentiment.

An unpleasant and divisive little man. The idea that he is upgrade on Pochettino
is laughable.

Graham62

Guaranteed not one Spuds player enjoys playing under Mourinho.

Levy sees it too.

Yippee!!

DivineSherlock

Son and Lloris coming to blows at HT . You absolutely love to see it.

Chris

When the Mourinho Spurs relationship goes completely down the toilet (And it will) it is going to be great to watch. It is already souring.

He is already cracking up if he is getting wound up by a tweet from Arsenal.

Mr Serge

Love the spuds implosion it’s fantastic
Don’t like any of the rough diamonds barring Declan rice but he will be super expensive

Valentin

In my view technically Saliba is already at a level higher than all our CBs. The only thing he needs to adapt is the physical intensity and the lax refereeing standard.
With that in mind, I can’t see the point of loaning Saliba again, especially to a foreign club. How is he going to adapt to playing in the EPL if he never plays in it.

T

I think that Pukki is by far the best player in norwich and he would easily score over 20 goals for us in a season even if he was second choise behind eddie. Also he is better at linking up play than either of our cfs and tops it of with good workrate. If he could be poached for 10-20m it would be a great bargain. Also jack grealish would be a great addition to the squad. The current squad really is screaming for a flamboyant but reliable beast to anchor the midfield. I think that he would make us… Read more »

Pierre

Saka did score at the weekend, but his performances recently have been sporadic at best. I say, play him where he receives the ball in areas where he can do most damage. Since lockdown , I can’t remember Saka going on a mazy run with the ball and I can’t remember him putting in a delivery into the box that is his speciality. Arteta likes to play Tierney and Aubamayang on the left and he also likes Xhaka left /centre midfield. At the risk of repeating myself( but I will) , Saka creates a conundrum for Arteta, and he is… Read more »

Aussie Gooner

Valentin

Agreed

Loaning him out again is ridiculous. We paid good money for him, he needs to get into the team now and start learning the system.

I hope to God that Saliba hits the ground running – if he is not better than what we have at the moment – sell him now and get someone who can play NOW not in 2 years time! Despite his injury problem, I have high hopes for him

Sid

The Partey train is like the Lorik Cana train, Felipe Melo train

Im telling you for free!

Valentin

8 CBs may seem excessive, but we have 2 longish term injury: Mori and Chambers. So until the winter TW, we have only 6 CBs with first team experience on our books: Mustafi, Luiz, Holding, Saliba, Sokratis, Mavrapanos. So if Arteta continue with 3 at the back and we qualify for Europe, 6 players for 3 positions does not seems too much. Once Pablo Mori has recovered, Kolasinac will be gone. His only advantage is that he is left footed and can play both left CB as part of a back 3 and LWB. I expect Sokratis to be gone… Read more »

Sid

Pukki is average

Buendia is the sixth most creative player in Europe’s big five leagues
In the EPL he is behind KDB and Trent only,
put him next to Pepe Auba teams will be cautious
The best defense is controlling tempo rather than having a CM chasing the ball around

Emiratesstroller

Pierre

As I posted yesterday Saka is at the moment a “utility” player in squad with no
set position in the team. This is no different than how Sterling was used in his
formative years.

It will take Saka and Arteta at least a couple of years to find the best position for him in the starting lineup. I think that Saka understands that very well,
because he is an intelligent player and wants to play regularly in team.

T

Sid so you want another go with a younger version of ozil?? Sure buendia can dribble and pass. His defending is shit thou. 1 good stat doesnt make a good player. Pukki was voted the best player in championship 1 year ago btw. He is well above awerage.