RWB: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
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For the first time in his career, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain may have found his best position. When Arsenal switched to a 3-4-2-1 at the tail end of last season, the Englishman looked like a new player in the right wing-back position. Up and down the right flank the 23-year old ensures he maintains width at all times as well as acting as the spare attacking option in the build-up.
His performances have also figuratively put a nail in the coffin of Hector Bellerín’s starting career. The Spaniard has been making more noise from the bench than he has on the pitch, all while the Ox has been making the position his very own. Though Chamberlain has been linked with an exit, the change in formation means he is likely to see more gametime next season and could stay at the Emirates for next season.
CB: Shkodran Mustafi
After a shaky first year in English football, Shkodran Mustafi will be looking to cement his place at the heart of Arsenal’s defence. The world cup winner arrived for £35m and there was pressure on him to perform. After a slow start, he is now fully acclimatised to the physicality of the Premier League and we’ll see the best of Mustafi next season.
CB: Laurent Koscielny
Leader, Legend and rock of defence, Laurent Koscielny’s place in Arsenal’s starting XI will forever be secure with Arsène Wenger at the helm. The 31-year old is largely considered by many as the best centre-back in the Premier League and as long as he’s fit, he’ll be leading the Gunners at the back.
CB: Rob Holding
After one of the best breakout seasons in recent memory, Rob Holding is the name on every Arsenal fan’s lips. The youngster reminded many of a young Tony Adams in the way he commanded the backline and sprayed the ball with confidence. His handling of Diego Costa in the FA Cup final was beyond magnificent and reassured fans that he’d be a match for any striker in the league next season.
LWB: Sead Kolašinac
As Arsenal’s newest acquisition, there will be a lot of pressure on the shoulders of Sead Kolašinac. As fans cry for change, the Serbian will be the first component of a new Arsenal to head into the new season.
The Serbian is a hard tackler, robust in man-marking and tireless in his work rate. He’ll displace Nacho Monreal and Kieran Gibbs as the left wing-back in Wenger’s 3-4-2-1.
