Why Arsenal must not let this player leave

Tomas Rosicky’s current contract with Arsenal expires at the end of this season. Now that it’s January, he is free to talk to other clubs about a potential Bosman move. There are already rumours of a switch to the MLS.

However, Arsenal fans would be gutted to see him go. Arsene Wenger should act fast to ensure he keeps Rosicky for another season at least.

Rosicky is now 33. Wenger is famously judicious when it comes to giving new contracts to the older members of his squad. That said, having missed almost two years with a horrendous hamstring problem, Rosicky is insistent that his “football age” is considerably younger.

Watching him on the pitch, it’s tempting to believe him. When selected, Rosicky hares around the pitch like a man possessed.

His style of play has changed dramatically. Rosicky arrived at Arsenal as a luxury playmaker, but is now reliable lieutenant in the Arsenal midfield, as capable of graft as guile. In his most recent Premier League start against Newcastle, he attempted four tackles, three headed duels, and made two interceptions. Not many attacking midfielders put in as much defensive work for the cause.

Even if Rosicky is no longer up to starting every game, his impact as a substitute can not be underestimated. That much was clear in Arsenal’s last Premier League match against Cardiff. Although Nicklas Bendtner’s goal grabbed the headlines, his introduction to the pitch was accompanied by that of Rosicky – and the Czech midfielder arguably did just as much to change the game, completing 18 of 22 attempted passes in his half-hour cameo.

Tomas Rosicky Passes vs Cardiff (82% Pass Accuracy)

Some say that Rosicky should contribute more in the final third. In 2013/14 Premier League season, he has no goals and just one assist to his name.

However, that doesn’t mean he’s not a vital part of Arsenal’s approach play. On four separate occasions, he has provided the ‘pre-assist’ – the pass prior to the one that lays on the goal. His average pass length of 16 metres shows that he adds dynamism to Arsenal’s game: Rosicky is an integral part of the quick-passing in the final third.

Tomas Rosicky Pass Length

Arsenal’s young squad benefit from the presence of the experienced Czech midfielder.

Based on his performances this season, he is well worth a contract for one more year.