Defensive Midfielder: Arsenal targets by numbers

Etienne Capoue

Etienne Capoue

Club – Toulouse

Age – 25

Height – 189cm

Weight – 80kg

League Apps – 34

Value - £12-£15m

Tackles p/game	Interceptions p/game	Fouls conceded p/game	Dribbled past p/game	Blocked shots p/game
2.4 (81)	2.6 (87)	1.8 (61)	0.6 (20)	0.4 (13)
Key Passes p/game	Dispossessed p/game	Turnovers p/game	Pass success %	Through Ball success
0.7 (24)	1.2 (40)	1.1 (36)	80.8	0.1 (2/7)

Capoue has been a named linked with Arsenal and various other Premier League clubs for quite some time, and has earned himself a reputation of being one of the best defensive midfielders in France, which has led to numerous call ups to the French national set up.

Blessed with a dominating presence, Capoue is certainly suited to playing in the Premier League and would be unlikely to have any problems with the physical side of the game.

Question marks could be raised over Capoue’s technical side of the game but he has a good range of passing and scored 7 goals for Toulouse last season. Another Strength of Capoue is his aerial threat, winning 75% of aerial duels last season in Ligue One.

I suppose a weakness of Capoue’s game is the amount of free kick’s he seems to give away. 61 fouls were given away last term in Ligue One; however he only received seven yellow cards and one red card. However, nothing wrong with giving the odd free kick away to break up the play I guess.

Verdict – Would be a great asset for Arsenal, not sure if he is a high priority though. Maybe if bids for Fellaini and Bender fail, we could see further interest in Etienne.