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Comparing left-backs linked with a move to Arsenal with Kieran Tierney through data and suggesting other options Arsenal should pursue. A thread.
To commence, let’s look at three key areas Tierney excels in. Statistically, Tierney is an important creative outlet, he plays a key role in progressing the ball forward for Arsenal and his defensive contribution is also crucial. These will be the criteria used to compare.
Southampton’s Ryan Bertrand is a player who has been touted as the perfect understudy for Tierney. The 31-year-old has six months left on his contract with the Saints and appears unwilling to extend his deal beyond the end of this season. (1/3)
Bertrand is still very much holding his own as an EPL full-back. Strong defensively and a threat offensively. His creative metrics aren’t anywhere near as good as Tierney’s, but it’d be unrealistic to expect the club to sign someone as good as the Scot in that regard. (2/3)
Overall, Bertrand is clearly not on the same level as Tierney. But he’d provide adequate defensive insurance, as shown by his superior tackling metrics, and maintain the left-sided attacking threat. A more than suitable option as cover. (3/3)
Another left-back whose contract is reaching its end this Summer is Marseille’s Jordan Amavi. Arsenal are said to be interested in the former Aston Villa defender according to L’Équipe. (1/3)
Again, Amavi appears to be a good option in terms of cover for Tierney. Like Bertrand, Amavi’s statistics suggest he’s stronger than Tierney when it comes to 1v1 tackling but nowhere near as threatening as the Scot going forward. (2/3)
However, similarly to Bertrand, when it comes to a back-up left-back, you’re not looking for a player who can set the world alight. You’re looking for someone who can do a job. Amavi seems to be that sort of player. (3/3)
Now I’ll move on to look at some players who haven’t been linked with Arsenal but are certainly individuals Arsenal should be looking at. I located RB Leipzig’s Marcel Halstenberg, Man City’s Oleksandr Zinchenko and Wolfsburg’s Jérôme Roussillon as candidates.
Out of the three, Halstenberg is undoubtedly the best option. His metrics are just superb, and it wouldn’t be too difficult to prize him away from Leipzig considering they already have Angeliño as their primary option at left-back. (1/2)
The German’s progressive and defensive stats caught my eye. He excels in both areas. Furthermore, his ability to play as a left-centre-back in a defensive three is another attractive feature of Halstenberg’s game. (2/2)
As for Zinchenko, he’s more of a practical option. As the graph above depicts, he’s very limited as a left-back. Yet, his prior relations with Arteta, his homegrown status and versatility make him a viable option.
Roussillon is another interesting player. The Frenchman is one of the Bundesliga’s quicker left-backs who enjoys bombing forward and swinging crosses into the box. Like Bertrand and Amavi, he fits the bill in terms of what the club are likely looking for in an understudy.
Hibernian’s Josh Doig and Shakhtar Donetsk’s Mykola Matviyenko are further honourable mentions. Doig is enjoying a fine season in the SPFL and is believed to have been courted by Arsenal whereas we’re known to be long-term admirers of Matyivenko who can also play as a centre-back
Overall, any of the seven players mentioned in this thread would be fantastic understudies at left-back. Halstenberg would be my personal preference but I’d be more than content if the club brought in any of the left-backs referenced here today.
[END OF THREAD]
Thank you if you’ve taken the time out of your day to have a read of this analysis. If you enjoyed it, I’d really appreciate it if you retweeted/liked my work. Feel free to give myself and @wlyablog a follow for more analytical threads and articles. Cheers
![[END OF THREAD]Thank you if you’ve taken the time out of your day to have a read of this analysis. If you enjoyed it, I’d really appreciate it if you retweeted/liked my work. Feel free to give myself and @wlyablog a follow for more analytical threads and articles. Cheers](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Es6i2R_XIAEzzQ6.jpg "[END OF THREAD]Thank you if you’ve taken the time out of your day to have a read of this analysis. If you enjoyed it, I’d really appreciate it if you retweeted/liked my work. Feel free to give myself and @wlyablog a follow for more analytical threads and articles. Cheers")
Thank you if you’ve taken the time out of your day to have a read of this analysis. If you enjoyed it, I’d really appreciate it if you retweeted/liked my work. Feel free to give myself and @wlyablog a follow for more analytical threads and articles. Cheers
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