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(Image) Here’s how Arsenal could line up under this former treble-winning Barcelona manager

How Arsenal could line up if Enrique is appointed as manager

According to El Confidencial’s Kike Marin (h/t Metro), Arsenal have held talks with Luis Enrique as a possible replacement for current manager Unai Emery.

Under-pressure manager Emery faced the stick after his side Arsenal failed to register a win in their previous six outings.  

Having dropped to sixth place after their 2-0 loss to Leicester, fans have widely criticised the manager’s work.

Former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique.
Former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique. (Getty Images)

Kike Marin suggests that Arsenal are behind 49-year old Enrique, who enjoyed a glittering trophy-laden career as Barcelona manager.

Enrique won nine trophies during his three-year stint as Barcelona coach, which also included the treble in his first season.  

With world-class players such as Neymar, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi in his squad, Enrique preferred an attacking 4-3-3 formation at Barcelona and it worked him wonders.

If Arsenal are successful in their attempts to rope in Enrique, the former Barcelona player would most probably stick to his favoured formation once again.

Luis Enrique during a La Liga encounter.
Luis Enrique during a La Liga encounter. (Getty Images)

Nevertheless, only time can tell if the road ahead would be smooth or a bumpy one for the 2015 FIFA World Coach of the Year.

Predicted Arsenal XI under Enrique

Formation: 4-3-3

Bernd Leno (GK)

Leno could be Enrique’s first-choice keeper and the Spaniard would want his No.1 custodian to initiate attacks from the back, starting from the German.

Hector Bellerin (RB)

A former Barcelona youth player, the pacey Bellerin could easily gel into Enrique’s system, where he prefers attacking full-backs over defensive ones.

Hector Bellerin (left) while playing for Arsenal.
Hector Bellerin (left) while playing for Arsenal. (Getty Images)

Rob Holding (CB)

The 24-year old is more of a calm and composed presence in the backline, unlike the more experienced and erratic David Luiz.

Sokratis Papastathopoulos (CB)

Centre-back Sokratis could get the nod ahead of Shkodran Mustafi as he is defensively more stable.

Kieran Tierney (LB)

With his excellent work rate, electric pace and good tackling skills, the youngster is a well-rounded full-back and would easily slot into Enrique’s lineup.

Youngster Kieran Tierney while playing for his former side Celtic.
Youngster Kieran Tierney while playing for his former side Celtic. (Getty Images)

Lucas Torreira (CDM)

A cool presence under pressure, the Uruguayan operates as the base, positioning himself near the centre-backs. He is good with short passes and also plays the long wide balls.

Dani Ceballos (LCM)

An excellent dribbler of the ball, Ceballos would be able to function smoothly under Enrique as the Spanish manager prefers midfielders who like to hold possession.

Matteo Guendouzi (RCM)

Guendouzi is young and could improve under the former Barcelona boss. Mesut Ozil does not get the pick as he is more of an attacking midfielder and plays upfront.

Young Matteo Guendouzi.
Young Matteo Guendouzi. (Getty Images)

Gabriel Martinelli (LW)

His explosive burst of pace and an eye for goal (as evident from his recent performances) could see Enrique deploying him on the left.

Pierre Emerick Aubameyang (ST)

A prolific goal-scorer, Aubameyang has been one of the best in the business of late and is a sure choice under Enrique.

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Nicolas Pepe (RW)

It has been hard for the Ivorian to adjust since arrival at the Emirates but under a brilliant coach like Enrique, he could once again dominate the game with his trickery, skills and pace.

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