Ok then. We need another Viera-esque player. Song or Denilson is no answer for that problem. I think all gooners agree that Wenger need to spend a little more than he used to on this area. We dont need another 17-20 years old type of player. We need experience. As I mentioned before its either you have it or you dont. You can teach kids natural instinct. The ability to notice everything and anticipate whats going to happen around you. You can see if a player has it in him or not. Fabregas got it. Arshavin has it. Rosicky and Hleb have it. Offensively that is. None of our defensive player look capable of reaching the heights of their predecessors. None of them can cover as much ground as Vieira while maintaining the team attacking impetus. In Arsene's football everyone must know how to attack. Everyone must have the ability to add something to our offensive ability. Everyone bar the keeper obviously.
In that lies the brutal truth about the current squad. While offensively we are one of the best in Europe, we are Newcastle like in defending. There is no protection in front of the back four. Teams often find their passing range against Arsenal. Why? How does a team like Fulham can pass the ball around our midfield confidently? Wenger always emphasize the importance of sharing responsibility among the players. Everyone is responsible for any of their teammates' mistakes. Thats why he never implement man marking. Furthermore, due to his extravagant offensive mind set, zonal marking is used every game no matter who are we playing against. In zonal marking players dont have to be responsible in marking a certain player. They dont have to follow a player tightly as he moves all around the pitch. This system will make counter attacking much more effective. Once the ball is recovered, the players will be positioned at their stationed zone and that will make it easier for Fabregas and co to find their passes. You always see Fabregas passes the ball quickly as he received it. One of the reasons is that he already knows where the nearest players are and he has the brain to figure out which pass is benefiting the team. However zonal marking necessitate a defensive midfielder with a great defensive instinct. As I said before we desperately lack one now. A naturally instinctive defensive midfielder will organize the zonal better. He will patrol his zone and always remind everyone about where the danger is coming from. Arsene has implemented the zonal system since the first day he came to London and only now the system is questioned. Thats because for the first time in his time at Arsenal he doesnt have a player that can stabilize the team once the ball is lost. You dont see Song or Denilson running back quickly and barking at their teammates to concentrate or buck up. Vieira and Gilberto used to do that efficiently. Now that they are gone, we are incredibly short in the midfield department. I stated earlier in the season Arsene needed to spend heavily in the central midfield area. Again, as the summer looming, I stressed the importance of another Vieira like player in our squad. Unless that Arsene wants to change his system, which he might not, that is.
Till the part III of this post. Chalo.
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