Arsenal begin their Premier League campaign with a blockbuster of a fixture against reigning Champions Manchester City.
With Wilshere leaving, a new engine room has the chance to well and truly establish itself in the Emirates Stadium.
New manager, Spaniard Unai Emery has added to his squad with some real talent already this season. He has signed Uruguayan defensive midfielder Lucas Torreira for £26.5m, adding some steel and talent to Arsenal’s defensive midfield options. The 22-year-old has impressed for both Sampdoria and Uruguay, and looks as if he is only going to improve.
Arsenal were long a team under Arsene Wenger who dominated possession, but they lacked ruthlessness and steel, particularly in the middle of the park. Unai Emery’s midfield will be expected to battle and compete for everything, as well as being simply comfortable on the ball.
Arsenal begin their Premier League campaign with a tough game against Guardiola’s Manchester City. Here is the midfield three they should employ which would give them a great chance of picking up a win against the champions….
Aaron Ramsey has been plagued by injury problems in his career, but his quality is undeniable.
Last season, he provided 8 assists and scored 7 goals. He is also an astute player with a good range of passing, and is a vital cog in the Arsenal side. If he stays fit, he will surely be a regular fixture in Emery’s starting eleven. His ability on the ball will help Arsenal to control games in terms of possession, particularly against the weaker Premier League teams.
The 27-year-old is a vastly experienced Premier League player, a man of his expertise is required in the engine room.
Under a new manager, Ramsey might have some fresh impetus added to his game, finally coached by a manager who isn’t Arsene Wenger.
After they have spent £26.5m on the player, it should be a given that Torreira will be placed straight into the starting line up.
The Uruguayan is a tenacious talent, he will battle for every ball and perhaps help Arsenal break their reputation of being ‘soft’ whilst under Wenger.
He is regarded as a fantastic reader of the game, and will make vital interceptions and get the Gunners on the front foot. Another player who is a strong passer, he will help Arsenal out-think and out-pass Premier League opposition.
He also has a better track record of staying injury free than Jack Wilshere, who spent a vast amount of time on the injury table in North London.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles was often deployed as wing-back last season under Arsene Wenger, but the player is best in midfield, and deserved his chance.
The young academy graduate will make surging runs forward that will terrify Premier League defences, his pace and strength could prove a real driving force for Arsenal in the middle. If Emery backs the player and gives him a regular starting place in the middle, this could be the break out season for the youngster.
The more experience Maitland-Niles has of playing in the middle the better, and there will be no better test than against Champions Manchester City.
