What can Denis Suarez bring to Arsenal?

After enduring almost three difficult seasons at FC Barcelona, Denis Suarez has signed for Arsenal on loan until the end of the season, in a deal worth €2m. Arsenal also have an option to buy the young Spaniard for €23m and make the deal permanent, according to several reports in Spain. The ex-Villarreal man has previously played in the Premier League for Manchester City, where he was seen as a bright, young prospect.

Primarily an attacking midfielder, he has played a variety of roles at Barcelona. His versatility allows him to fill in at both central midfield and attack, thus giving multiple options to Unai Emery.

However, the competition at Arsenal for central midfield is quite tough with the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Lucas Torreira, Matteo Guendouzi, Mohamed El Neny and Granit Xhaka competing for starting spots. As a result, it seems more likely that Denis Suarez is going to be used in attack, with Unai Emery himself stating in an interview that he intends to use the ex-Celta Vigo man in the forward line to solve the winger issue.

It is no secret that Arsenal have a shortage of wingers right now, with Aubameyang, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Alex Iwobi being the only wingers at the club right now. The signing of Suarez would certainly bolster Arsenal's attacking options, considering Mkhitaryan's inconsistency and Alex Iwobi yet to produce enough goals and assists.

While Arsenal usually line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, they have also used the 4-3-3, 4-3-1-2 and even a back 3 system at times. With the presence of Aubameyang on the left and Ozil as a no.10, it is pretty obvious that Denis Suarez will be used more as a right winger at Arsenal, if he were to compete for a starting spot.

However, Suarez is not a traditional winger who would take on opposition fullbacks and deliver crosses into the box. His style of play would mean that he will play more as a wing 10, a role which Lorenzo Insigne plays in at Napoli. In this role, he will have more license to cut inside and link up with the midfielders.

Arsenal's probable lineup with Denis Suarez

In addition to that, Unai Emery can also use him as a backup to any of the central midfielders mentioned above and bolster his midfield options, in case Suarez signs permanently for Arsenal and Aaron Ramsey leaves for Juventus in the summer.

Conclusion

Denis Suarez is a highly talented player who was massively underused during his time at FC Barcelona. He was even touted as a successor to the legendary Andres Iniesta by former coach, Luis Enrique.

However, he has failed to fit into Ernesto Valverde's scheme of things and a change of scenario might just turn out to be the perfect move for Suarez to progress in his so far topsy turvy career.