Analysing the strengths and weaknesses of each Arsenal Centre Back

#2 Shkodran Mustafi

Arsenal v Paris Saint Germain

Strengths: A defender with huge potential, he is good at making interceptions. Apart from this, he is very comfortable with the ball at his feet and plays the role of distributor in Arsenal’s back line. Mustafi is also one of the few Arsenal centre backs who are good in the air.Mustafi was signed a couple of seasons back from Valencia. He enjoyed a solid start to his Arsenal career and had a decent unbeaten streak going for him. However, things turned sour for him very quickly. Mustafi had to endure a tough second season at Arsenal. The Gooners would hope a change in manager brings out the best in the former Valencia man.

Weakness: He gets caught out of position too often and without the pace to recover, leaves his team exposed at the back. Despite his talent, makes a lot of errors which lead to goals. Hence, he hasn’t slipped into the top most bracket of centre backs yet. Mustafi also commits to tackles too easily, thus leading to fouls against fleet-footed players.

With Koscielny out of the picture till the end of 2018, Emery would like to build his defence around Mustafi. The latter has shown that he has the talent and now it is time to deliver on that promise.

Mustafi displaying his aerial prowess

- International Champions Cup 2018