A big scouting report for a big midfielder. Taking a nuanced look through the Arsenal target’s experience, tape, analytics, passing, duel prowess, position, areas of concern, value, and a lot more
We are so lucky to have you writing about our team. Every time, I learn more and more about football but also about writing and thinking clearly. What a read… take a bow!
Thank you, brilliant as always. You consistently provide the best analysis out there.
Definitely interested in "whether or not there is an inverse relationship between such duel volume and passing percentage", Arteta's turned us all into sickos.
Loved this- a super informative read about a player that I didn’t know much about. I understand Arteta’s need/love for defensive stability, but I feel like it was a lack of creativity/attacking impetus that hurt us in the end. Do you think this signing will be paired with a less expensive wide player with pace that can add that creativity as well?
I like this transfer infinitely more than the accumulative risk we’ve assembled amongst our current defensive options.
Specifically agree on needing to add another physical profile amongst our midfield options, as if we take Rice out, as we stand we need to drop Havertz back, or we’ll just get overrun.
Merino should in theory promote Havertz to our first choice centre forward, and see less need for him in the deeper role.
Smith Rowe has played less than 700 minutes across the last 2 seasons, Vieira less than 1,800 minutes across the same time frame.
If Merino stays fit, I’d expect him to clock more minutes next season, than those 2 have combined across the last 2 seasons.
Hell yeah, Billy. A guy who is cover for and additive to both Rice and Havertz while also cranking the Heavy Metal vibes up to 11... for ~25m? Let's fucking go, baby. The press is the tempo-setter.
(but good lord if we don't see more back-post in-swingers from the right with Mikel and Kai lurking then I just won't have any hair left by the end of the season)
Dude! What you're doing is in the 99th percentile Billy. The stats, writing, the wit. Top fucking class! Keep going 💪
We are so lucky to have you writing about our team. Every time, I learn more and more about football but also about writing and thinking clearly. What a read… take a bow!
Thank you, brilliant as always. You consistently provide the best analysis out there.
Definitely interested in "whether or not there is an inverse relationship between such duel volume and passing percentage", Arteta's turned us all into sickos.
MERINO WAS ALSO CAPTAIN FOR REAL SOCIEDAD ARTETA WANT LEADERS IN HIS TEAM
MERINO WAS ALSO CAPTAIN FOR REAL SOCIEDAD ARTETA WANT LEADERS IN HIS TEAM
A better version of Xhaka 22/23- sign me up
Fantastic read as always!
utterly fantastic.
Incredible quality and hard work going into these analyses. Where do you access the games to produce this stuff?
Loved this- a super informative read about a player that I didn’t know much about. I understand Arteta’s need/love for defensive stability, but I feel like it was a lack of creativity/attacking impetus that hurt us in the end. Do you think this signing will be paired with a less expensive wide player with pace that can add that creativity as well?
I like this transfer infinitely more than the accumulative risk we’ve assembled amongst our current defensive options.
Specifically agree on needing to add another physical profile amongst our midfield options, as if we take Rice out, as we stand we need to drop Havertz back, or we’ll just get overrun.
Merino should in theory promote Havertz to our first choice centre forward, and see less need for him in the deeper role.
Smith Rowe has played less than 700 minutes across the last 2 seasons, Vieira less than 1,800 minutes across the same time frame.
If Merino stays fit, I’d expect him to clock more minutes next season, than those 2 have combined across the last 2 seasons.
Top notch analysis
Great research and write-up! Well done!
As a Spurs fan I hate this signing for Arsenal, exactly what's needed in depth and to change things up.
After the game today, the idea of this guy in the squad is borderline euphoric.
Hell yeah, Billy. A guy who is cover for and additive to both Rice and Havertz while also cranking the Heavy Metal vibes up to 11... for ~25m? Let's fucking go, baby. The press is the tempo-setter.
(but good lord if we don't see more back-post in-swingers from the right with Mikel and Kai lurking then I just won't have any hair left by the end of the season)