Arsenal
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Shkodran Mustafi - 7.5/10
An issue that plagued Arsenal before the arrival of Mustafi to the Emirates was finding a partner who could complement Laurent Koscielny at the heart of the Arsenal defence. With no offence to Per Mertesacker, he is ageing and seems to be getting slower with age catching up with him and the arrival of Mustafi has not only brought renewed energy to the side’s defence, but it has also brought in a technically sound player to replace Mertesacker.
Mustafi is not only good in the air, but he is also apt at cutting out the opposition on the ground, and that has reflected in the stats he has raked in thus far in the season. The player boasts of a tackling efficiency of 58%, averaging a successful tackle every minute, while also ensuring that any aerial threat that comes the Gunners’ way is dealt with aptly as he has won 60% of his aerial duels.
The defender is comfortable on the ball, can get the ball out of his defence, makes regular interceptions to disrupt the opposition of the rhythm and is, like a defender worth his salt, unafraid to put his body on the line for the greater good of his side.
Having already adapted to the English game, despite spending a relatively small time in North London, great things are expected of the former Valencia man, and if Arsenal is to mount a title challenge, Mustafi will need to remain consistent and dish out sound performances in the heart of the Gunners defence.
Granit Xhaka – 6/10
Swiss midfielder Xhaka has had a rather underwhelming start to life at the Emirates after being touted to be the requisite midfield general of the side owing to his performances for Borussia Monchengladbach and Switzerland. The player has failed to enforce games in a way desired by him, and after being in and out of the side, Xhaka finally seems to be coming to terms with English football as his performances have improved.
While he has developed the reputation of being a destroyer in the classy mould, the midfielder is equally apt at building play from a deeper position and can be lethal with the ball at his feet. He has been frequent into tackles, is dominant in the air and can help his side recover possession with his ability off the ball.
The biggest issue that remains to be improved upon is Xhaka’s disciplinary issue. He can be reckless at times and tends to commit fouls in critical areas on the pitch, and these qualities could come back to haunt his side should he not fine tune his game.
