Arsenal Player of the Year: Top 3 candidates ranked

#2 Alexandre Lacazette

Alexandre Lacazette directly contributed to 32 goals this season

Arsène Wenger signed Alexandre Lacazette in the summer of 2017 for £46.5million, a club record at the time. This move spelt the end of Olivier Giroud’s time at the club. Although Wenger established the former Lyon striker as his first choice, the fans didn’t see it that way. This season, the 28-year-old has performed his way into their hearts, becoming an integral player.

Sometimes a striker’s value to a team cannot only be evaluated by his goalscoring record. In fact, Alexandre Lacazette is the perfect example of a centre forward, not a striker. Lacazette’s contribution to the team goes beyond his 19 goals in all competition, it stretches to his additional 10 assists.

His work rate, off the ball pressing, positional play, and selflessness have effectively shown him to be the hybrid of a forward and attacking midfielder. This has allowed him to compensate for Mesut Özil’s ineffectiveness throughout the season. The fact Barcelona are now contemplating a bid for the Frenchman shows how well he’s performed.