Going to get straight to the point.
Arsenal have a large and vastly talented squad, therefore selecting our 'best' 11 players to take to the field is quite a challenge for Mr Wenger.
I'm sure if I asked 10 Gooners their opinion on our strongest side; I’d get almost get 10 different answers, a different player here and there.
For me, it very much depends on the opponent and ground at which you’re playing so it’s tough. So for arguments sake, let’s say its cup final against a big boy at a neutral ground.
The formation and back 5 picks itself. 4-2-3-1, Szczesny, Sagna, BFG, Koscielny & Gibbs.
Both statistics and performances show this defence has become one of the toughest, resilient and most organised in Europe, and that is no over exaggeration.
The striking position also picks itself; Olivier Giroud has had a great campaign, with assists and link up play being as big a part of his game as his goals.
Now for the tough part, choosing just 5 midfielders from huge array of options. Choice of two from Arteta, Flamini, Wilshere and Ramsey to fill the two midfield positions in-front of the back four. Arguably a harder decision, choosing three from Walcott, The Ox, Podolski, Gnabry, Cazorla, Rosicky and Ozil.
At this point, need to be brutal, let’s take Poldi, Rosicky and Gnabry out. So you're left with Theo, The Ox, Cazorla and Ozil. I’ll leave that brain teaser for the moment and go back to the two midfielder protecting the back four.
Arteta over Flamini, JUST. Arteta's reading of the game and ability to intercept and break up play is second to none, that along with his composure on the ball and ability to pick a pass takes him pass the tenacious warrior that is Flamini. Ramsey over Jack. This being the hardest decision of the lot. Both exception players defensively and going forward. Both put themselves about and battle, both drive the team forward and get into the box, but based on his goal scoring exploits this season, Rambo has to be in.
For me, based on their creativity, ball control and movement both Cazorla and Ozil would have to start. These big names with such a worldwide reputation gives the others players confidence and morale boost.
Another type of midfielder is needed to fill the last attacking role offering different qualities to that of the other midfielders (pace and direction) adding variety to the team. Theo gets the nod ahead of The Ox. Although I believe Chamberlain has more potential and is better on the ball, Walcott’s sheer speed enforces defences to be on the back foot dropping deep which, in turn enables players like Cazorla and Ozil to find gaps and work their magic. Theo’s ability to find the back of the net is another huge benefit, his goals to game ratio over the last 18 months proves he has become a lot more clinical.
So, looks like I’ve managed to ease a bit of a personal headache and realised (In my personal opinion) what Arsenal’s best starting 11 is.
Szczesny
Sagna Mertesacker Koscielny Gibbs
Arteta Ramsey
Walcott Ozil Cazorla
Giroud
Your turn.
What Is Arsenal's Strongest Starting 11?
posted on 4/2/14
It is a tough call, and I think it pretty much picks itself. The standard back five of szez, Sagna, mert, Kos and Gibbs. Giroud up top for his work rate, strength, interplay and ability to bring the midfielders into the game. Santi - ozil - Walcott just behind. The issue is that double pivot. Even with the options listed we still look light weight, never mind flaminis tenacity, he physically cannot match other midfielders when going shoulder to shoulder. That's why for me, diaby has to start. And seeing as we're going on a cup final, flamini to play next to him to act as the general and organise the team, especially the defence.
For me that's enough attacking ability and defensive solidarity to beat most teams
posted on 4/2/14
I chose Flamini over Arteta... but the article asked for the best XI and I think thats it.
that said, it really depends on the opposition, home or away etc
but if i had to chose XI players to play for the season (and other teams had to chose XI players too) this is who i would go with.
posted on 4/2/14
I don't understand why so many are choosing Flamini over Arteta. I don't rate either of these players too highly. but at least Arteta doesn't cower away from the ball rather than coming to receive it. Flamini's passing is also not good enough to be in the starting XI. We really need a quality, not to mention proper, holding midfielder.
posted on 4/2/14
The Great AFL
True, take your pick?
Or if you have any other ideas?
Lars Bender
Sven Bender
Alex Song (Rate him highly)
Pogba (more box to box)
Javi Martinez (unrealistic, but i'd love him)
Fernando
Kondogbia
posted on 4/2/14
Moistthighs, Love that response. Summed it up well, Theo obviously can play as a striker, but as you say, his inability to play with his back to goal and hold up play and his lack of ball control means he is a LOT more effective as an attacking winger.
you still havent given me your best team yet..
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Thanks mate, it was the God of Moist talking, I as but a vessel for his gospel message!
Best team?
Chesney
Sagna
Gibbs
Koscielny
Mertesacker
Flamini
Ramsey
Cazorla
Ozil
Walcott
Giroud
posted on 4/2/14
Pogba would be an absolute belting addition to the midfield, although I'd put my pubes on him being a PSG player in the not too distant future!
Lars Bender would be my 2nd choice, for sure.
posted on 4/2/14
Yeah Paul would be a beast of a signing and quite the statement. (Would be fantastic amo for banter with united fans as well!) But not really what we NEED, we have box to box midfielder, more in need of a Bender type player. (For comic effect of his second name if nothing else)
posted on 4/2/14
To be honest, (imo) Pogba is a rare beast in that he can quite literally play ANYWHERE in the midfield at a phenomenal level.
I'd take him at Arsenal with open arms and even more open legs!
posted on 4/2/14
comment by The Ghost Of Henry (U18642)
posted 3 hours, 19 minutes ago
The Great AFL
True, take your pick?
Or if you have any other ideas?
Lars Bender
Sven Bender
Alex Song (Rate him highly)
Pogba (more box to box)
Javi Martinez (unrealistic, but i'd love him)
Fernando
Kondogbia
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I think that the best option there would be Lars Bender. I'd love Pogba, but if he was to be brought in, one of Wilshere or Ramsey would suffer.
posted on 4/2/14
I think that the best option there would be Lars Bender. I'd love Pogba, but if he was to be brought in, one of Wilshere or Ramsey would suffer.
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And a subsequent bidding war would almost certainly be declared by PSG. Who do you think would come out on top of that one?