It is no secret that in order to strengthen a side, it is quite essential to strengthen the midfield, which can contribute to both the attack and defence. Further, in particular, the central midfield of a team should be really strong, which can help a manager to control a game tactically. All top clubs focus on doing that and have been looking to add more quality players who can improve things at the center of the pitch for them.
Similar is the case with Arsene Wenger’s side as the Gunners were quick to capture the signing of Granit Xhaka from Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach, early this summer.
The Swiss international’s move to the Emirates will have given the north London outfit a huge boost, as he is said to be one of the best players, at that position, in world football at the moment.
However, with all the options that the French manager has, the question now arises is which pair will Wenger use in midfield and here are three possible holding midfield combinations that could possibly feature:
1. Xhaka-Cazorla:
Wenger might pick veteran Santi Cazorla to play alongside the youngster, who could be used as a defensive midfielder in this case. The Spaniard looked good in the previous campaign, apart from a few games, prior to a long-term injury that kept him out of action for quite some time. The former Villarreal and Malaga man had paired up well alongside Francis Coquelin in the previous campaign, though Xhaka can be seen only as an upgrade to the Frenchman. In this combination, Xhaka will play the defensive midfield role, while the Spaniard will push forward at times to create chances as well. If the pairing can coordinate well next term, Arsenal may have hopes of winning some major titles.
2. Elneny-Xhaka:
Another possible combination could be between Mohamed Elneny and Xhaka, with the Egyptian international looking good for the Gunners, since he joined the English club from Basel in the January transfer window. The player is composed and looks good on the ball and has fitted in well into this Arsenal side in no time. He could feature alongside the club’s newest signing, with Xhaka looking to push up front occasionally and Elneny staying deep and protecting the defence.
3. Coquelin-Xhaka:
A third combination that could be possibly used next season in central midfield could be the pairing of Francis Coquelin and Xhaka, alongside him. The Frenchman looked good alongside Cazorla last term and the Swiss international could be used as an upgrade to the Spaniard in this case. Coquelin would play in the defensive midfield role in this case and lay deep, while Xhaka would occasionally push forward to join the attack and create chances.
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