Importance Score: 20 / 100 🔵
Arsenal is set to confront Paris Saint-Germain in the initial leg of their Champions League semi-final without key midfielder Thomas Partey. An initial wave of bewilderment rippled through some supporters regarding the reason behind the suspension of the midfield linchpin for the crucial match at the Emirates Stadium. Let’s delve into potential alternative strategies for Arsenal’s midfield.
Partey’s Suspension Explained
Initially, the television coverage failed to broadcast the incident that led to Partey’s caution against Real Madrid. This booking, his third in the competition, triggers a suspension and rules him out against PSG. However, fresh footage reveals the 31-year-old was carded for shoving Dani Ceballos while the latter was attempting to retrieve the ball after a foul committed by Antonio Rudiger. The cameras, at the time, were primarily focused on Rudiger receiving his own yellow card for the original foul.
Midfield Alternatives for Arsenal
With Partey sidelined, Mikel Arteta’s midfield options are being closely examined. If fit, Jorginho is likely to anchor the midfield. Should Arteta opt for a different approach, several alternatives exist.
- Mikel Merino, potentially dropping back from a more advanced role.
- Other, more unconventional, solutions.
Express Sport explores four of these potential midfield solutions for Arsenal.
Oleksandr Zinchenko: A Versatile Option
Zinchenko began his career as an attacking midfielder in Ukraine and Russia. Pep Guardiola gradually transitioned him into a more defensive role after he joined Manchester City. Arteta has recently deployed the Ukrainian in midfield, alongside Kieran Tierney as left-back, when rotating his squad in Premier League games leading up to Champions League fixtures.
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The 28-year-old presents a reliable option in midfield should Arteta wish to explore alternatives to Jorginho.
Ethan Nwaneri: A Rising Talent
This season, Nwaneri has primarily featured on the right side of Arsenal’s attack. However, he boasts experience playing as both a No. 10 and a No. 8. If Declan Rice is repositioned into a deeper role, Nwaneri could potentially partner Martin Odegaard.
With Bukayo Saka’s return from a hamstring concern, minutes for Nwaneri might be limited in the season’s final stretch. However, the possibility of occupying a midfield position could arise.
Myles Lewis-Skelly: Defensive Prowess and Midfield Potential
Similar to Zinchenko, Lewis-Skelly honed his skills as a midfielder before transitioning into a left-back. The young player has impressed this season, occasionally keeping Zinchenko and Riccardo Calafiori on the bench for significant matches.
Lewis-Skelly is anticipated to start at left-back against PSG, but there remains the potential for him to shift into midfield if Arteta has confidence in his ability to perform in that role during a Champions League semi-final. The newly capped England midfielder would likely appear equally composed in the center of the field as he does on the left side of the defensive line.
Riccardo Calafiori: A Long-Shot Contingency
Despite limited experience in midfield, Calafiori is enthusiastic about learning the position, potentially making him Arteta’s most unexpected option when selecting his team to face PSG. The Italian international is currently nursing a knee injury but could recover in time for the match.
Calafiori’s Aspiration
Speaking during the March international break, Calafiori expressed his ambition: “There are many aspects I still need to learn. I’m eager to continue developing my ability to play in diverse roles. Currently, I’m familiar with two, but I’ve always admired midfielders and would relish the opportunity to learn how to play there.”
With other players ahead of the £42m signing at centre-back and left-back, Calafiori could potentially forge a future for himself in midfield. This midfield selection will be crucial as Arsenal prepare to take on PSG in the Champions League.