Top 5 Arsenal players of 2017

2017 has been a year of of highs and lows for Arsenal. The disappointment of missing out on Champions League qualification for the first time in 20 years was partially palliated by their success in the FA Cup, while their start to the 2017-18 season has seen them make progress in the Europa League and Carabao Cup, although the league title is already out of reach.

Football is a team game, but some players have nevertheless contributed more than others to the high points of Arsenal’s year. Given that this ranking takes into account the full calendar year, players who departed (such as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain) or joined in the summer of 2017 have not been considered.

Here are the 5 best Arsenal players of 2017

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#5 Aaron Ramsey

Ramsey celebrating his goal

Injury problems limited Aaron Ramsay’s involvement during the first half of last season but he reappeared at the start of the calendar year and made a few key contributions, including the winner in the FA Cup final against Chelsea in May.

The Welsh international has underlined his importance this season with a strong attacking output of three goals and six assists from the centre of midfield. His increased maturity has seen Arsene Wenger position him as a future Arsenal captain.

#4 Mesut Ozil

Mesut Ozil continues to contribute for Arsenal.

Mesut Ozil struggled to reach the heights of his extraordinary 2015-16 campaign last time out but he still made a very solid contribution and particularly seemed to come alive following the switch to a three-man defensive formation later in the campaign.

This season has been dominated by speculation about his future but after a slow start, the introduction of new signing Alexandre Lacazette into a front three with him and Alexis Sanchez has provided Ozil with a platform to perform. Three goals and five assists have followed, and he produced a decisive display in the 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby.

The 29-year old is a divisive figure and certainly has periods when he doesn’t contribute sufficiently, but six goals and 11 assists in league play over the course of 2017 nevertheless indicates that he remains a key component of the Arsenal attack and one that may prove difficult to replace.

#3 Nacho Monreal

Nacho Monreal continues to be a steady performer for Arsenal.

Nacho Monreal took a little time to adjust to English football but over the last few years, he has been a steady and committed performer for Arsenal.

The year of 2017 gave him the opportunity to show his versatility, as a series of solid displays at left-back, left wing-back and latterly as the left of three central defenders demonstrated his tactical proficiency.

The 31-year old still has the odd error in him when his lack of pace can be exposed, but as Arsene Wenger recently noted, the switch to a three-man defence has benefited him greatly. His keen positional sense helps him deal with danger, while in possession, he is confident and crisp passer.

His good form has even seen him return to the Spain squad in the build-up to next year’s World Cup.

#2 Laurent Koscielny

Laurent Koscielny salutes the Arsenal supporters.

Laurent Koscielny has been a staple of the Arsenal defence for seven years and his importance was made very clear last season. In the Premier League, they conceded over half a goal more on average in the matches he wasn’t involved in, while their Champions League collapse away to Bayern Munich was precipitated by his substitution through injury.

His performances were recognised by a third-place finish in the supporters 'Player of the Season' voting.

At 32, Koscielny is now the leader of the Arsenal defence and has adapted well to the switch to a three-man system during 2017. It is not only his defensive attributes that have impressed. On the ball, he is a key distributor from deep, providing over five accurate long balls per match so far this season with an overall passing success rate than dips just under 90%.

#1 Alexis Sanchez

Alexis Sanchez celebrates Arsenal's FA Cup triumph.

Alexis Sanchez was rightfully named Arsenal’s 'Player of the Season' for the 2016-17 campaign after being directly involved in 34 of their 77 league goals and scoring in both the semi-final and final of the FA Cup.

The Chilean forward is all but certain to leave the Gunners when his contract expires at the end of the current season, perhaps even earlier, but he is still producing for them. While his top-line numbers aren’t quite as impressive as last season, he has contributed more to build-up play and still scored four goals and provided three assists in 15 league appearances

Over the course of the calendar year, Sanchez has been Arsenal’s best performer. He will certainly be missed when he departs.