ZINCHENKO DEAL MOVES TO FINAL STAGE

by .

Good people of Le Grove, it is a Saturday, I am at the hospital, it’s hour 12, and I’m writing a blog.

Am I sure of the rules around this sort of thing? No.

I will pay a price for this with divorce papers at some point, but listen, your insatiable appetite for transfer stories, or my need for attention, greatly weighs on me right now.

So what do we have to talk about?


Arsenal is closing in on Zinchenko and I am absolutely OVER the damn moon about it.

He’s a bit of a ‘woah’ signing for me, mainly because we stopped making moves like this a while ago. Experienced, a winner, in the prime of their career… it’s quite sad I think like that, but that’s how low the standards have sunk over the last 8 years.

I loved the strategy of last summer, I knew we’d go for more complete players this window, but I didn’t think they’d come with Premier League pedigree. I was expecting us to live in the world of Paqueta types. Top talent owning their league. This move on players that are already doing it in the league, but looking to break out, feels very Liverpool when they signed VVD, Mane, and Wijnaldum (stole that from @DanielZeqiri).

These two charts really paint a picture of what we have with Zinchenko.

Firstly, this is how he compares at left back to Tierney and Tavares.

Now, context-wise, accept he plays at a higher level with better players. But what I love about his data is this is a player who had an extremely choppy season with next to no minutes until December when he landed 5 Premier League starts in a row (5 wins and a draw). Then he found the bench and didn’t get a good run until the end of the season when he picked up 7 starts, landing 6 wins. That is extreme mental strength.

Remember, Tavares played great at the start of the season, got benched when Tierney returned, came back a mess against Nottingham Forest. Never recovered.

Regardless, Zinchenko’s left-back numbers are OUTRAGEOUS.

… but there is more.

These are his midfield numbers. When stacked against Granit Xhaka. More passes, more accuracy, better defending.

Then look at the fee. United is paying £50m for a 5ft9 centre-back we wanted to play at left-back. We’re getting a 4 times Premier League winner for £30m.

That is outrageous.

Again, I’m gonna go at the folk that called Arteta the cone boy. Do those people want to sit here and tell me that Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus are coming to Arsenal under any other circumstance other than Arteta at the controls? Do you think they’re coming to Arsenal in their prime to play for a coach that doesn’t know his onions? These are the benefits of having a coach that is a top-tier thinker. It also shows you that despite some of the noise, top players can see this project is about to bang.

There are only two more jobs to be done if we get this deal over the line.

We need to sign Tielemans in central midfield, another top Premier League talent that will find new heights in our system.

We need to sign a winger with outrageous production. There are quite a lot of strong rumours linking us to Leroy Sane. He’s world-class for me, he’d represent a real hero signing, and I’d prefer him over Raphinha any day of the week. Seems like an insane move because of where he is in his career, his price tag of £60m, and his salary of £300k a week, but damn, that would be a statement piece. He’s only 26.

I’m not quite sure we’re going there, but again, if you can, and the player is willing, do it.

I want to keep our best young players at the club. Bukayo Saka needs to see where this project is heading. I’m pretty sure he’d be thrilled to see someone at Sane’s level joining the party.

There’s a rumor about Edmond Tapsoba doing the rounds again. The 50m euro centre back is 22, he’s being linked by a new site that is dedicated to transfer rumours, which is a bad business model unless you peddle 80% guff. Regardless, it’s important to remember that ground zero for Arteta last season was Newcastle. We lacked bravery to break the press and didn’t deliver on the plan. Old Arsenal might have let that slide, new Arsenal will chop out players if there’s an opportunity. Whilst I have my doubts we’ll do anything mental, don’t be shocked if a Gabriel-like name is moved if we can ship in someone else. Big clubs make hard decisions. Ben White and Gabriel dipped hard in H2 last season. I’m not giving credence to the rumour, but look, those Juve rumours won’t die. If he leaves, we are purchasing.

Strong rumours William Saliba is making his rebirth debut against Everton tomorrow. It’ll be interesting to see whether we begin to jettison some of the expendable players now the tour has taken on more seriousness.

Ok, before I go. I have TWO pieces of information.

We signed a podcast deal with BlueWire. So if there’s disruption to your podcast things, let us know, but it should be fairly straightforward. Does this deal make us professional podcasters?

If I speak…

Secondly, thank you to all the generous folk that have contributed to our Patreon subscription. You are a special bunch. We’re trying to work out what the deal is in totality. Here’s where I think we’ll land for 2022 podcast-wise.

  • On The Whistle – Premier League – free to air.
  • Before the whistle + Europa League review – Patreon
  • Special Features – Patreon

We dropped a Patreon BANGER last night. I made slides. Johnny showed up and left it all on the pitch. We talked Saliba, Zinchenko, Sane, and the shape of our summer so far. All good vibes.

Join up below.

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Un

Ish

Fair point matey but we’ve seen him handle marhez kdb salah and whoever chavs were deploying on the right in Arteta’s first 6 months with 2 trophies won. His contribution was vital to both.

Adams

Where is zinchenko?

Mr Serge

On a plane to the states

Leedsgunner

Ainsley Maitland Niles needs to learn humility. He has great ability on both flanks to play as an explosive inverted fullback. If he had wanted it he could be a locked on starter for Arsenal, either at right or left back but for some reason known only to himself he thinks he is the next Kante. Before Saka ever appeared on the scene he could have been the poster boy for Hale End and Arsenal… It sounds like for AMN, instead of embracing his versatility and using it to his advantage and the advantage of the team, he wants to… Read more »

Nigel Tufnel

Habesha right about agendas against some of our players and manager. We need to be less reactionary. Xhaka misplaced a couple passes in Baltimore? Who cares? Shut up about it. You sound like broken records.. I expect him to be replaced and getting less important minutes for us. Pierre is right about Eddie, I always agreed with him.. he’s got loads of goals in him… but he’s a much more well rounded striker now. He talks about it himself, not just a striker hanging around the 6 yard box. He gives credit to Arteta for working on his physicality, hold… Read more »

Mr Serge

The buys so far are very good we get zinchenko and maybe a winger and we are good to go

Can’t wait for the season to start
Shame I miss the first 5 home games of the season

Guns of SF

A pipe dream but if we can get Sane I would run around the block screaming I love Arsenal 10x

Mr Serge

Guns I would fly out and join you mate

Ishola70

As another poster stated not a great sign that Sane is looking to be dumped now by two big clubs in succession. Perhaps a bit of a warning sign.

Being disposed of by one big club then coming in for him less of a danger sign.

Guns of SF

We need another winger.
Lets see,

Pepe will be sold.
Martin might not make the heights we need
Only leaves Saka as a true winger

To shoe in ESR or Ode etc who are not true wingers is a band aid

We need a true winger to act as cover or starter. Name is Sane

Naija+soccer

When Ozil was at Arsenal, every time Arsenal pull a slick move i will go back and look who started the move or who added the crisp/silk, and lo and behold it was often Mesut.

Odegaard is doing the same in this new Arsenal. But I do agree he needs to pull off more through balls, final passes even though he’s more the orchestrator of the team. I think Vieira is the one that will bring that Fabregas/KDB killer ball effect.

Ishola70

Well Sane is not coming in as cover is he. I think it’s always better to get a bigger name player after he has been in one big club and then moves on for whatever reason and in that instance G. Jesus fits that bill. Been in just one big club before moving on. We got Henry after his one big move to Italy and we also got Bergkamp after his one big move to the same league so there is history there in picking them up after one big move for the player. Anymore big moves and then going… Read more »

Nigel Tufnel

Sane great talent…. but

350k a week…. no thanks. Destroy the new wage structure before we even achieve anything.

People don’t think things through.

There’s other options we can find.

Guns of SF

I doubt that BM is paying him 350k
That is a team with a tight pay structure
Who is to say he wont take lower wages, for a move he wants?
BM ditch him after a year, then what
Unless he going to PSG or Madrid or Chelsea City then ok
He is prem tested, and Mike worked with him. Overall, that might be a positive instead of an unknown

salparadisenyc

Agree Sane seems like a no goer to me just serious agenting dropping crumbs for traction with the Mick / City tie to see if Madrid surfaces. Very few clubs can take that wage on and the Arsenal isn’t one of them at the moment.

salparadisenyc

Vini Jr is the peak at moment and nobody getting past him so the argument could be made the options even thinner for Sane.

Naija+soccer

Anyone ever wonder if we play Saka in that LCM role. There’s a feeling that Saka will be a beast (world class) in the middle.

We can just get a right winger. I wonder if that’s why Raphinha was being considered. And with all the rumors of Sane, that would be mind-blowing.

Our team would look like this :

Martinelli Jesus Sane/RW
Saka Odegaard
Partey
Zinchenko Gabriel Saliba Tomiyasu

With Zinchenko joining Partey in midfield when we are in possession and us going three in defence like this :

Zinchenko – Partey
Gabriel – Saliba – Tomiyasu

Samesong

“We need to be less reactionary.”

Nigel TufnelJuly 15, 2022
17:19:01
Saliba has never given an impression other than arrogance as far as I’ve seen. The way he talks about himself and the noise surrounding his decisions.I hope I’m wrong but he gives off bad vibes… haven’t seen a photo of him smiling once in an Arsenal kit. He’s too special to be “one of the guys” maybe.

Naija+soccer

Think Saka can become ‘the Mbappe of midfielders’ if given the chance there haha.

Left Testicle

Naija,
No. Just no.

salparadisenyc

Saka wasted in mid for me Naija.

Tom

MurkyMark, super glad I’ve given meaning to your existence but you need to work on your trolling a bit bud.
Don’t know a single thing about this Djed Spencer or whatever his name is, but I trust you and Pedro will keep the rest of us the Spurs obsessives in the loop.

Mr Serge

Samesomg why you gotta do Nigel like that ? Lol

Guns of SF

Saka would be good anywhere such is his skills but overall, I think lacks the physicality needed in the middle. His game based on speed, movement and diagonal cut ins

Rich

We were linked with Moussa Diaby a while back, Newcastle have been trying to sign him. I don’t know the player, but he’s just turned 23 17 goals + 14 assists last season for Bayer Leverkusen, he’s a French international, who they signed from PSG He’s had 1 season with PSG, and 3 seasons in the Bundesliga, he’s at a good age and level of experience From his YouTube comps looks like a speedsters, left footed, but decent with his right, and can play either side. Obviously need to be wary of compilations, because they can make Mustafi resemble prime… Read more »

Ishola70

I remember Mustafi’s youtube compilation when he was at Valencia.

Kept going to ground in challenges.

Hindsight and all that.

Naija+soccer

Guns

If Odegaard can play in midfield, I doubt Saka lacks the physicality. That boy is strong.

Naija+soccer

SalParadise and Left Testicle.

If anything I think Saka is wasted on the wings. Hes limited there.

salparadisenyc

Naija

Theres no question Saka can play in the mid, the argument is his better qualities are wasted in the mid.

Le Sauce

By that logic city will play Halaand as a CM too. After all he’s strong and can link up play well, or even Chelsea playing Sterling in the midfield wouldn’t be bad

Le Sauce

Exactly Sal, why waste him elsewhere when it’s clear he’s better as a right winger. Messi can also play as a lone 6 by that line of thought

Naija+soccer

Rich

Moussa Diaby, Cody Gakpo are obvious Arsenal transfer options but we ll wait till they go to Liverpool and become the next Mane.

Le Sauce

All the best Pedro regarding the baby girl and her mum. You now have other priorities other than Le Grove and advertising

Le Sauce

Zinchenko, Tielemans, Diaby and we’re cooking this coming season

WengerEagle

I know that it’s only pre-season but Gabby Jesus already looks the dogs bollocks.

Love his all-round threat, compared to a maybe more prolific like a Mario Gomez/Huntelaar from times past who can hurt you in so many less ways.

Naija+soccer

Le Sauce

How do you know hes better as a right winger when you haven’t seen him extensively in midfield. Every time I see Saka transition into midfield he looks as though his handcuff has been released.

Hes really good on the wing as is so I guess don’t fix it if it ain’t broke, but I think he will be better in the middle.

WengerEagle

Goes without saying Pedro wish you all the best for Fatherhood and congrats or a soon-to be cograts on your baby girl (hope that I have got that right).

You’re an absolute trooper slinging out posts from the hospital. Have mad respect for you even if we can disagree on Tets and it’s why I will keep.coming back.

Le Sauce

WE

I’ve been impressed with his presence up front and constant threat. He also looks like he doesn’t need to be fed constantly by a KDB type to score, I like a striker who can make things happen from so little and Gabby J is a good mix between Auba and Laca

Samesong

Saliba praise

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on defender William Saliba.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Arteta said: “He was really good.

“I think he played a really good game, he looked really composed, straight away from day one he looked completely focussed, he’s evolved the way we wanted and today I think he had a great performance.”

Naija+soccer

Also Messi was a right winger initially, before playing false 9.

Le Sauce

Naija…

He’s been played on the wing all his life and started his senior career as a wing back for us and occasionally for England. You mean all the coaches he’s had can see what you can see from a thousand miles away. I highly doubt that

WengerEagle

Exactly LeSauce.

Even if he hasn’t been prolific in the past with City, imo it was more environmental (being played out of position out wide, being given more creative responsibility) than a lack of ability.

He is fast, sturdy for his height, decent aerially, a good dribbler/passer and a good finisher when he is allowed to take more advanced and central spots near the goal. He has no real weakness to his game for a lone ST imo.

Le Sauce

I guess you’re the real Galaxy brain then naija not Arteta. Nothing about Saka screams CM at least to me, he’s gonna be elite as a winger and I believe most would agree with this, that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t be decent in midfield but the basic thing in coaching is to play footballers in their preferred positions

Naija+soccer

WE

I was worried about his height, but he looks too smart for a thing like that to get in his way. That own goal against Nurnberg where it looks like he scored with his head when he got in front of the defender at the near post, I hope we see moves like that from him on a regular basis.

Mr Serge

If saka is a cm I am the tooth fairy

WengerEagle

I didn’t catch the full game but great to hear that Saliba played very well and that Arteta has publicly acknowledged it.

Bodes well for keeping him. I would love a pairing of Gabby and Saliba, two mobile giants with Saliba being the composed of the two and Gabby the aggressor.

Le Sauce

Jesus is actually the best our money can get as far as this transfer window is concerned. He’s definitely gonna hit the ground running in the PL, his three goals in preseason has only proven that he knows how to pick up good positions, has the requisite technical ability and most importantly has the right attitude. I’m actually excited to see how the season goes especially if we can get in another winger who is a good goalscorer too

Naija+soccer

Le Sauce

I agree that he will be elite as a winger don’t misunderstand me, but I think Saka will be really good in the middle. His pace, drive, technicality and dribbling ability will be too much for teams to handle in midfield. We are used to seeing him on the right wing that we can’t imagine him anywhere else.

At the very least its an option to have since Arteta is trying to make his team as movable/versatile as possible.

Le Sauce

I actually stayed up for the game WE, and without exaggerating I believe Saliba was decent. One thing that stood out was his composure and recovery pace although it remains to be seen how he handles Ariel threats which is the bread and butter of the PL

TR7

Pedro , congratulations to you and your partner !!

Naija+soccer

Mr Serge

You really think playing in the middle is beyond Bukayo Saka ? He’s that good.

englandsbest

You can play Saka anywhere on the pitch (except maybe GK) and he’d be exceptional.

Rich

Naija + soccer We were linked with Gakpo, but I think he generally plays from the left, coming onto his right foot?…. I’d be surprised if we blocked Martinelli + Smith Rowe. I think we’ll go for someone who’s versatile, but more adept to play from the right, to compete with Saka. I’m not sure it’s a matter of urgency though, I think Raphinha was seen as more of an excellent opportunity on the market, and with Barca’s financial issues, we thought we could steal a march. We’ve got Pepe + Nelson on our books still, and we’ve just signed… Read more »

Nigel Tufnel

Samesong on my d1ck.

Those are my impressions on Saliba from everything he’s done and said since I first heard his name.

I guess you missed his big “decision” broadcast special lol.

You left out the comments where I’m sure I’ve said I hope I’m wrong and he comes and wins plenty of minutes, even a starting job… of course extending with us also.

That’s ok.. enjoy the ride on my —k anyway. It

Le Sauce

Englandbest

That’s a dumb take, Saka can’t be exceptional as a center back nor would he be exceptional in the Partey role or as part of a double Pivot in midfield. The guys is good but quit the Ott praise, he’s not Messi

Naija+soccer

Thank you EB.
Thats all I m saying.

Tenerife Gooner

I am solely a TV watcher nowadays.Why I am not excited about Zinchenko.

Mr Serge

Naija+soccerJuly 17, 2022 19:02:37
Mr SergeYou really think playing in the middle is beyond Bukayo Saka ? He’s that good.

I watch him a lot and he would be wasted there Naija he needs to be as far forward as possible to do as much damage as he can c

Nigel Tufnel

Not to be reactionary… but I never liked the idea of Turner because the big step up in leagues is loads of pressure.

I believe he can improve his footwork a bit, but watching his vids where he punches everything is not giving me confidence.

Why we couldn’t just get Sam Johnstone or someone along those lines, I’ll never understand.

Hopefully it will all work out with Turner, I just prefer simpler solutions.

Naija+soccer

Le Sauce

The dumb take is you concluding that Saka can’t play well in a double pivot or Partey role when the kid has played well every where he’s been positioned. Of course I don’t want him in the Partey role but I have no doubt that he can own that position too. No I don’t think Messi can play the Partey role.

Guns of SF

Naija
With all due respect. Saka cannot play in the TP role. He would get demolished in time.
Sure, when he has space ( key word space) he can run through the middle
Does not mean he operates primarily through the middle.
its a war in the middle. saka is better with the time and space … Ive seen plenty of times he been demolished in the middle with crunching tackles etc.

Ishola70

Would Saka have the range of passing for playing in a double pivot?

Also you need to be selective with your passing from CM.

Saka is about energy and forward play not conventional CM play.

WengerEagle

Careful there Nigel, you may soon get told off for being a hater!

By… well… you…

Naija+soccer

Mr Serge

I think he has what it takes to play box to box. Remember there was a time when we thought Yaya Toure was a dm. You saw how much damage he caused from midfield playing box to box. Saka has that driving ability too. And he can also pass, dribble, defend, score.

Rich

Saka did play on the left side of a midfield 3 against City once, played a blinder, and as per usual he was our best player, no doubt he could be a big success there, I’d keep him on the right for now though

Later in his career as he ages, maybe he’ll move more centrally, he’s definitely got the quality to adapt, if he loses a yard of pace.

Guns of SF

We got a punching keeper in Leno.

The worst type of defending is the punch, especially when it goes to the other team

Emi was the best IMO, he caught everything that came in mostly.

That is how you stop the attack.
Catch

Naija+soccer

Ishola70

What you are saying is that he’s talented enough but is he intelligent enough to know when to pass, when to drive forward with the ball, position awareness ? I think so. Come on guys this is Saka we are talking about here.

Karsa

TBF Tim Stillman suggested something similar for Saka in his recent Arseblog column.

Nigel Tufnel

Lol @wenger eagle!

Guns of SF

Saka as a CAM yes
not as a CM

He is an attacker- running back half the game to defend the middle aint his thing

Ishola70

Karsa

” Tim Stillman suggested something similar for Saka in his recent Arseblog column.”

Name dropping eh.

These names that everyone abides by only have a view which can be wrong as you or I.

We have already seen that Brazilian “expert” trip over himself.

Ishola70

Rich
“Saka did play on the left side of a midfield 3 against City once”

It’s not the same though is it.

The topic is about CM meaning central in a two.

Naija+soccer

Guns

Those crunching tackles is because of how good he was playing the role in the middle. They were frustrated so tackled him hard. Besides he gets demolished on the wings too with those same crunching tackles. Its not like he’s safe on the wing right?

Naija+soccer

Ishola

Not necessarily a CM, more like in the middle. Attacking midfielder. But I do think he can play CM if ever needed.

Karsa

Isho!a

Absolutely. I was merely pointing it out. Not taking an entrenched position in get another pointless debate.

Ishola70

These guys like Stillman and Vickery are only scribblers that have connections.

Ishola70

Naija

“Not necessarily a CM, more like in the middle. Attacking midfielder.”

lol you was on about double pivots a few minutes ago.

He could play CAM though as someone else said because he is an attacker not a central midfield player.

Guns of SF

This team still lacking a Cesc type player and leader.
Fearless, good with the ball, can unpick a low block, a royal pain to the opposition.
A prime Cesc was fantastic

Karsa

Stillmans opinion may not be gospel, but he does watch out team live home, away, and abroad way more than most.

englandsbest

As I recall Saka threatened up front when he was played (ostensibly) as full-back. Like I said he defies the laws of nature (apart from quantum physics) he can be in two places at the same time. The kid is truly exceptional in a manner not unlike Messi: there is no accounting for him. And that is right now. How good will he become? The sky’s the limit. And I’d bet my bottom dollar that’s the view of the Arsenal manager, the England manager, and the manager of every team that’s faced him. It’s a matter of form now to… Read more »

Rich

I wouldn’t want to see Saka central in a double pivot. But signing an inverted left back, to add to our inverted right back, will mean we’re moving away from a double pivot. We’re moving to play with 2 No8s What we’ll do is have our full back step into midfield each side of Partey/Elneny in possession Our shape will be something like this: ………..Ramsdale ……..Saliba Gabriel White Partey Zinchenko Odegaard Xhaka …..Saka……..Martinelli …………..Jesus I’d keep Saka on the right, but he could absolutely be a success playing in Xhaka’s position in that system, it’s certainly not a bad idea,… Read more »

Zfree

Richarlison goes for more than Gabby Jesus.

Seeing some bonker valuations saying Broja could go for more than either.

Love the business there for Jesus. And Eddie looks to be a fine backup and could be every bit the player these other two “£60M” guys are

Samesong

Nigel TufnelJuly 15, 2022
17:19:01
Saliba has never given an impression other than arrogance as far as I’ve seen. The way he talks about himself and the noise surrounding his decisions.I hope I’m wrong but he gives off bad vibes… haven’t seen a photo of him smiling once in an Arsenal kit. He’s too special to be “one of the guys” maybe

You left out the comments where I’m sure I’ve said I hope I’m wrong

Nope sure didn’t.

I guess you didn’t read it properly. I even posted your lords comments to shut you up also. Looool

Ishola70

Karsa

These guys like Stillman and Vickery are just regular football viewers like you and myself. Prone to errors when talking football basically like everyone else.

In reality they don’t have “expert” opinions even if there comments gain a lot of attention because of their platforms.

Samesong

That’s ok.. enjoy the ride on my —k

Rattled as always !!!!

Valentin

No to Leroy Sane unless he is in a quasi free transfer fee and low basic wage on a 2 years with an option to 2 further years. Lots of bonus based in his appearances and contributions (goals+assists).

He seems also to be injured a lot, missing vital games. He had a great start of his senior career at ManCity. but since he seems to have faded away. Arsenal may be the spark to re-ignite his career, but could also be the last nail on its coffin.

Muppetman

Can’t get link for video but it’s on this website. Represents PL sales since 1992 by clubs

https://www.givemesport.com/88035097-arsenal-could-make-surprise-signing-in-59-5m-star-at-the-emirates

JimmyPageGOAT

Limerick are all Ireland champions for the 3rd year in a row,,Gearoid Hegarty is the Zidane of Hurling

salparadisenyc

Oh wait Tim Stillman said Saka should play in the pivot so were good guys.

Positive pete

Shame.Wanted the “ Cats”.But congrats to Limerick.

Samesong

Madison to Spurs Pierre will not be happy about that.

salparadisenyc

Going to see how much Juventus wants Gabriel now, with De Ligt to Bayern all but confirmed.

Rich

Vieira looks technically superb, looking forward to seeing what he’s all about.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFaSOqTzDd8

WengerEagle

Utd ended up paying £57m for Lisandro Martinez?! Fucking hell that is a serious overpay.

As good as he may be on the ball he is a 5″9 CB coming to play in the PL. How many CBs that short have been a huge success over here?

WengerEagle

Where did you see that Samesong?

Not sure where all these pieces fit into Conte’s system. Perisic and Spence would indicate a wing-back formation (3-5-2) but then you have Maddison who is a CAM and Kulusevski who is a wide attacker.

Le Sauce

Flipped through the Madison to Spurs chatter on Twitter. That’s one to keep an eye on for sure, depending on the price a window of Madison and Bissouma would give the spuds midfield a bit of a lift.

Le Sauce

WE.
He’s most likely to play behind the two strikers in a 3-5-2. With a double Pivot behind him and wingbacks on the side.
I just hope they don’t win anything and Conte fucks off to Juve or somewhere else

Le Sauce

Ishola

I’m surprised some people watch Saka weekly and feel he should play in the midfield whereas Saka is one of the best 1v1 wingers you can have around. Guy thrives when there is space to run into and that doesn’t in anyway downplay his technical ability. It’s just like watching Mahrez and concluding he would be better placed in CM or watch KDB and decide he’s better as a wing forward ala Mane. Football isn’t rocket science, keep it simple folks

Naija+soccer

Saka has played as full back, wingback, left winger, right winger and he has done well in all those positions to different degrees. I believe that he can also play as a 10 and as a number 8.

Some would argue hes best as a left winger while others would say hes better on the right. I think he would be best in the middle, as one of the two 8s. Hes good on the right wing for now though. But there’s another level in Saka for sure.

WengerEagle

Le Sauce

Not sure where that leaves Kulusevski though? He’s not suited to play RWB and you would imagine that they brought Spence in for that reason although who knows.

Also if it ain’t broke don’t fix it kind of thing. They were the most potent team in the PL from when they signed Kulusevski to the end of the season and led the league in goals scored IIRC. Wouldn’t make much sense to bench him for Maddison, Kulu for me is the better player.