Although Arsenal have signed Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona and boosted their offence immeasurably, they still have a couple of areas that need some addressing. The departure of Bacary Sagna meant that they needed a right back to slot in and the imminent arrival of Mathieu Debuchy from Newcastle looks to have that settled.
But the main area of concern for Arsenal last season was in defensive midfield. There were times when they were caught with too many men forward and were found wanting at the back. Although Flamini proved to be a welcome addition, age seems to have caught with Arteta as he was beaten time and again by opposing midfielders.
Arsene Wenger recognised this and has looked at three midfielders to help sort out that problem for the Gunners. Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin, Borussia Dortmund’s Lars Bender and more recently Real Madrid’s Sami Khedira have emerged as the three main targets for the Gunners. Let us take a look at who they should sign based on four important criteria.
Attacking
Offensive output of Khedira, Schneiderlin and Bender in the League last season
| Khedira | Schneiderlin | Bender | |
| Games Played | 13 | 33 | 29 |
| Shots | 0.6 | 0.9 | 0.8 |
| Goals | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Assists | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Chances created | 12 | 30 | 20 |
(All stats per Whoscored)
One thing that is evident from the attacking numbers of all three players is that neither of the three had too much attacking responsibility thrust on them and as a result, don’t have a very good record, in front of goal. And the numbers bear that out, Bender has the most goals of the three players, but the fact that he only has 3 says a lot.
While all three of them only managed a solitary assist, Scheiderlin almost created as many chances for his team-mates as the other two combined. While his job is only to protect the defence and start the attack, the Frenchman has shown that he is more than capable of going forward and creating opportunities for his team mates. And that makes the winner in terms of attacking output.
Defending
Defensive discipline of Khedira, Schneiderlin and Bender in the League last season
| Khedira | Schneiderlin | Bender | |
| Games Played | 13 | 33 | 29 |
| Interceptions | 1 | 2.1 | 1.8 |
| Tackles won | 0.7 | 2.6 | 3 |
| Clearances | 1.1 | 1.5 | 1.8 |
| % of Aerial duels won | 47.4 | 61.9 | 49 |
| Fouls committed | 1.2 | 1.5 | 1.8 |
(All stats per Whoscored)
Of the three midfielders, Schneiderlin looks the most assured defensive midfielder. Although Bender averages more tackles and clearances per game, Schneiderlin has more interceptions and wins more than 60% of his aerial duels, which is far greater than either Khedira or Bender who both win less than half of theirs.
Apart from sheer numbers, the fact that Schneiderlin is more used to the demands of the Premier League makes him a better bet than either Khedira or Bender. While Khedira was out injured for most of the season and that certainly explains his low numbers, he is still a more dynamic midfielder and isn’t someone who is accustomed to sitting back and doing a job in front of the back four, which is what Arsenal need their midfielder do. As a result, the Frenchman is the undoubted winner in this regard.
Passing
Passing statistics of Khedira, Schneiderlin and Bender in the League last season
| Khedira | Schneiderlin | Bender | |
| Games Played | 13 | 33 | 29 |
| Pass accuracy | 86 | 89 | 77 |
| Key Passes | 0.8 | 0.9 | 0.7 |
| Average pass length | 15.5 | 17.1 | 17.9 |
| Passes | 42.5 | 57.5 | 38.2 |
(All stats per Whoscored)
If there is one area that is a prerequisite for any Arsenal midfielder, it is their passing. And it is in this aspect that Schneiderlin is head and shoulders above his competition. Not only does average more passes than the other two, he also provides more telling passes and his pass accuracy of close to 90% is something that will endear him to both Arsene Wenger and the supporters who will want a more incisive defensive midfielder patrolling their midfield.
Suitability to club
The final criterion is to determine who will fit in seamlessly at the club. While both Bender and Schneiderlin are designated defensive midfielders, the latter is more adept at spraying the ball around and supporting the attack. Khedira on the other hand, is a more dynamic player, who can both attack and defend with equal ease.
Given how Arsene Wenger sets his team up, the former is held in higher regard and thanks to his more precise passing, Schneiderlin would be vital to Arsenal’s chances. If on the other hand, Wenger wants to be more dynamic, then he could very well add Khedira, who would add bite and steel to both their attack and defence.
Verdict
With Arsenal in dire need of a defensive midfielder to shore up the midfield, they need someone who isn’t particularly expensive and is a proven quantity. Unfortunately for Bender, he is neither and as a result, Wenger would be wise to look at the other two. If it is defensive stability combined with technical ability that Wenger wants then both Khedira and Schneiderlin would be perfect for the job. Unfortunately for the Gunners, the former is likely to be on the expensive side and is a more dynamic player, so the Frenchman from St. Marys’ would be the perfect choice.
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