Arsenal: Mid-Season player rankings

Arsenal%e2%80%99s </a>season may not quite be at the midway point, but with the break in the rear-view mirror, we decided it would be advantageous to review our player rankings thus far into the season.</p> <p>The way we did this was both site experts, Andy and Josh, ranked all players who had made at least three appearances. Debuchy, Willock and Ospina were excluded in an effort to keep the rankings at 21. The rankings were then averaged. Josh wrote about the players rated 21-11 and Andy took the players rated 10-1. You can see their individual rankings at the end of each slide, and the contentious players that split opinions.</p> <p>So, now that you know, let’s get into the rankings. We will start from the back, with the unanimous worst performer on the season.</p> <div id="attachment_66493" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-66493" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F10%2F866135986-arsenal-v-norwich-city-carabao-cup-fourth-round.jpg-850x560.jpg" alt="Arsenal, Theo Walcott" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 24: Theo Walcott of Arsenal during the Carabao Cup fourth round match between Arsenal and Norwich City at Emirates Stadium on October 24, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>21. Theo Walcott</h3> <p>There aren’t many players that frustrate quite as effectively as <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=theo+walcott%22>Theo Walcott</a>. Over a decade with the club, a couple seasons of overflowing potential, a couple with untarnished brilliance, and now this. How did it all come to this?</p> <p>Perhaps it was Theo Walcott’s insistence to play striker. Maybe he lost something when he was never able to accomplish that dream. Or maybe the team just left him behind. Whatever the case, Walcott is not having the season that he needed to have to make any sort of case for himself. Not just that, but any hope that he had of finally impacting England’s World Cup squad is coming to a screeching half. Unless he leaves in January, there is no hope.</p> <p>Walcott has been relegated to rotational squad duties. and to his credit, he does have three goals and an assist across the Europa League and League Cup fixtures, but as is always the case with Walcott, you just can’t help but think about how much more he could (and should) have.</p> <p>Walcott is notorious for missing chances, getting flagged offside and being incapable of dribbling past defenders. Other than a few odd matches where he has looked solid, he hasn’t proven much of that notoriety wrong.</p> <p>(Andy: 21st; Josh: 21st)</p> <p>Moving on to No. 20.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 20. Mohamed Elneny </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_66426" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-66426" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F10%2F865950174-arsenal-v-norwich-city-carabao-cup-fourth-round.jpg-850x560.jpg" alt="Arsenal, Mohamed Elneny" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 24: Nelson Oliveira of Norwich City and Mohamed Elneny of Arsenal battle for possession during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Arsenal and Norwich City at Emirates Stadium on October 24, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>20. Mohamed Elneny</h3> <p>I’m still not sure what Arsene Wenger wants out of <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=mohamed+elneny%22>Mohamed Elneny</a>, or, for that matter, what he wanted out of him when he bought him. And I think that Wenger’s recent actions have proven that he is similarly confused by what he has the Egyptian for.</p> <p>Elneny has never quite been at the first team level. He’s been exactly one rung below where he hasn’t been terrible but he hasn’t exactly given much room for hope either. That has endured, and now he is even being used as Wenger’s new “DM floater” role in the midweek fixtures.</p> <p>The problem is that it’s making Elneny look even worse. There is no denying that the Egyptian has a lot of positive qualities, namely his work ethic and enthusiasm over the ball (and his goal against Barcelona helped) but now that he is being used as a center back, he is suffering. He is being pulled so far out of position and left exposed and it just can’t be good for him.</p> <p>Elneny is a decent squad player, with a certain level of reliability, but at the end of the day, he just isn’t cutting it in terms of getting into the starting XI, or challenging for a place, and that’s what you need out of all first-team members.</p> <p>(Andy: 20th; Josh:19th)</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 19. Mesut Ozil </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_66607" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-66607" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F10%2F867435148-arsenal-v-swansea-city-premier-league.jpg-850x560.jpg" alt="Arsenal, Mesut Ozil" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 28: Mesut Ozil of Arsenal and Leroy Fer of Swansea City battle for possession during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Swansea City at Emirates Stadium on October 28, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>19. Mesut Ozil</h3> <p><a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=mesut+ozil%22>Mesut Ozil </a>has such a wonderful opportunity to put the doubters to bed against Manchester City but he couldn’t have done much worse, really. After an entire season of sub-par influence, he finally ran into some inspiring form against Everton and Swansea, but then City came and popped his balloon.</p> <p>Not only did they pop it, though, they stomped it into the ground, set it on fire and pissed on the ashes. And just like that, Ozil has fallen all the way back down to the point where people want him gone all over again.</p> <p>Ozil will always create chances. No one can take that away from him. He does that better than anyone else. But there is so much more to the game of football than creating chances, especially for a club like Arsenal that needs all hands on deck at literally all times. You simply can’t waste a starting XI spot on someone who only does one thing in particular.</p> <p>And the worst part is there is no guarantee he will even do that one thing, as we saw against City. He created all of zero chances.</p> <p>Ozil is in a really tough spot, because I’m not sure where he goes in January and, if he stays, he better find some sort of consistency, otherwise it could get really ugly.</p> <p>(Andy: 19th; Josh 20th)</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 18. Francis Coquelin </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_66173" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-66173" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F10%2F863080182-crvena-zvezda-v-arsenal-fc-uefa-europa-league.jpg-850x560.jpg" alt="Arsenal, Francis Coquelin" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">BELGRADE, SERBIA – OCTOBER 19: Filip Stojkovic (L) of Crvena Zvezda is challenged by Francis Coquelin (R) of Arsenal during the UEFA Europa League group H match between Crvena Zvezda and Arsenal FC at Rajko Mitic Stadium on October 19, 2017 in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>18. Francis Coquelin</h3> <p>This man right here is the embodiment of raw, unbridled passion. He wants nothing more than to help his team succeed. The problem is that he is like an rambunctious wrecking ball that lacks any sort of technical nous.</p> <p>And by that I mean he is actually much better at completing a slide tackle from eight yards on a moving target as he is of completing a pass from eight yards to a stationary target. Which isn’t a testament to his ongoing place at the club.</p> <p>Coquelin is a defensive stalwart – albeit rather wreckless – and he is a master of winning the ball back, but much like Ozil, except on the complete opposite side of the spectrum, for a club like Arsenal, you have to be able to do more than one thing, and Coquelin can’t. He can win the ball back, but ask him to push forward, pass, dribble, shoot or, God forbid, even just take his intensity down a notch and he shorts out like Windows 7 on a Macintosh 128K.</p> <p>This year has only reinforced that point. Injuries aside, he has not even come close to threatening the starting XI and what’s the point of a player if he can’t even do that?</p> <p>(Andy: 17th; Josh: 18th)</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 17. Alex Iwobi </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_66940" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-66940" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F11%2F870508082-manchester-city-v-arsenal-premier-league.jpg-850x560.jpg" alt="Arsenal, Alex Iwobi" width="590" height="389" srcset="https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/11/870508082-manchester-city-v-arsenal-premier-league.jpg-850x560.jpg 850w, https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/11/870508082-manchester-city-v-arsenal-premier-league.jpg-768x508.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 590px) 100vw, 590px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 05: Alex Iwobi of Arsenal and Sergio Aguero of Manchester City battle for possession during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal at Etihad Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>17. Alex Iwobi</h3> <p>All that wonderful, majestic hype that Alex Iwobi buried himself in when he was (unjustly) given the starting role in 2015 looks and feels so far away now. Iwobi came into the 2016 season firing on all cylinders and quickly nabbed three assists, announcing himself as the next big deal.</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia"> <div id="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-position="slideshow_inline" data-slot="inline_67024" style="width:300px;margin: 0 auto;"> <script> googletag.cmd.push(function () { googletag.defineSlot("/175840252/fansided.com/PainintheArsenal/mpu",[300, 250], "minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet") .addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.enableServices(); googletag.display("minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet"); }); </script> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>And then it all went tragically wrong. Iwobi stalled, struggled, and succumbed to his inner Mesut Ozil. He just couldn’t seem to string any sort of form together.</p> <p>It’s crazy, because you see his excellent strength, his underrated speed, and his predominant creativity and you just know that there is a magical footballer in the making, if only we can fit the pieces together.</p> <p>This season hasn’t granted much more hope. He has had his positive performances interchanged with negative ones, with no real rhyme or reasons as to what changes one from the other. I would actually say that his best performance came in the devastating loss to Watford, and that’s just because he was so devoid of a supporting cast that he essentially had to buck up and do it all on his own.</p> <p>Which he did, for the most part.</p> <p>I long for the Nigerian’s return to that 2015 form. Maybe he will get more chances when the detrimental duo finally leaves.</p> <p>(Andy: 16th; Josh: 17th)</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 16. Ainsley Maitland-Niles </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—></p><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_66457" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-66457" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F10%2F865949966-arsenal-v-norwich-city-carabao-cup-fourth-round.jpg-850x560.jpg" alt="Arsenal, Ainsley Maitland-Niles" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 24: Ainsley Maitland-Niles of Arsenal and Harrison Reed of Norwich City battle for possession during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Arsenal and Norwich City at Emirates Stadium on October 24, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>16. Ainsley Maitland-Niles</h3> <p>The struggle with the next two people on this list is that they are being played so far out of position. Perhaps it’s all a learning experience, but in the meantime, they are going to have some incredibly sup-par performances while they learn the lay of the land.</p> <p>That said, <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=ainsley+maitland-niles%22>Ainsley Maitland-Niles </a>has shown a lot of positive qualities as a make-shift left wingback. He has showcased enviable speed, which is obviously crucial at the position. He has also shown an affinity for winning the ball back cleanly and smoothly, which is a nice skill to have for an aspiring central midfielder.</p> <p>It’s in the attack that I have run into the most question marks with the young Englishman. Mostly because of the inconsistency. He has had moments of brilliance and moments of buffoonery. His final ball has looked sizzling and it has looked awful. All in the span of a few minutes.</p> <p>Again, as a central midfielder, it’s unclear how much of these skills he’s struggling at that he will need on a regular basis. Not many central midfielders are required to cross the ball as often as he is having to as a wingback. But so long as he is a wingback, that’s what we are judging him on.</p> <p>(Andy: 18th; Josh: 14th)</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 15. Reiss Nelson </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_62746" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-62746" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F818878368-fc-bayern-v-arsenal-fc-2017-international-champions-cup-china.jpg-850x560.jpg" alt="Arsenal, Reiss Nelson" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">SHANGHAI, CHINA – JULY 19: Reiss Nelson of Arsenal FC celebrates after win the 2017 International Champions Cup football match between FC Bayern and Arsenal FC at Shanghai Stadium on July 19, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>15. Reiss Nelson</h3> <p>His situation is identical to Ainsley Maitland-Niles. And like Maitland-Niles, that’s good and bad. On the good side, we are starting to come back down to earth and see <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=reiss+nelson%22>Reiss Nelson</a>‘s limitations (yes, he has those).</p> <p>But we are also seeing how his strengths can come out even when he is in a position that he isn’t used to and that he most likely doesn’t have a future at.</p> <p>Plain and simple, Nelson is not a defender. So playing him at wingback immediately puts him up against it and when we face teams with more attacking capabilities, that may get exposed more and more.</p> <p>Equally plain and simple, he is a genius with the ball. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a 17-year old more capable of breaking ankles. He sends defenders wherever he wants to with his quick tricks over the ball and his amazing ability to shake off anyone who attempts to mark him.</p> <p>Still, if we want to see the best of this young man, he needs to be used in a position that cultivates his talents a bit better.</p> <p>(Andy: 14th; Josh: 15th)</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 14. Granit Xhaka </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_66286" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-66286" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F10%2F864982118-everton-v-arsenal-premier-league.jpg-850x560.jpg" alt="Arsenal, Granit Xhaka" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 22: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal and Idrissa Gueye of Everton battle for possession during the Premier League match between Everton and Arsenal at Goodison Park on October 22, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>14. Granit Xhaka</h3> <p>The very definition of hit and miss. <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=granit+xhaka%22>Granit Xhaka </a>is such a talented midfielder with an ability to complete longballs that can only be compared to Xabi Alonso. It’s superb, so much so that when you see him bumbling trying to win a ball back, there is a certain degree of acceptance along the lines of “well, sure, he can’t do that, but wait until he passes.”</p> <p>That said, he has struggled this year when he hasn’t been in a position to focus on his passing. He lacks the athleticism to be a consistent ball winner and he still seems to be a bit behind the pace of the Premier League as a whole.</p> <p>But then you see what he’s capable of and you just have to think about all the ways we can start working to compensate for his frailties so that we can accentuate his strengths. I have covered this in-depth throughout the international break, but we did the same with Aaron Ramsey. We compensated for him. So why not do the same with Xhaka?</p> <p>All that said, despite the ups and downs, Xhaka has put up a respectable three assists, ranks as the top midfielder in terms of long passing and continues to showcase why he is worth the growing pains.</p> <p>(Andy: 15th; Josh: 13th)</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 13. Alexis Sanchez </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_65987" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-65987" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F10%2F856204936-arsenal-v-brighton-and-hove-albion-premier-league.jpg-850x560.jpg" alt="Arsenal, Alexis Sanchez" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 01: Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Brighton and Hove Albion at Emirates Stadium on October 1, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>13. Alexis Sanchez</h3> <p><a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=alexis+sanchez%22>Alexis Sanchez</a> was almost sold on deadline day, as it has become increasingly clear over the past couple years that he was destined for an exit. However, that exit never happened, and the unfortunate Chilean was left to wallow in the class and camaraderie of Arsenal, the club he is learning to loathe.</p> <p>Perhaps that was an exaggeration, but it’s clear, from this season especially, that Alexis wishes he were elsewhere. He has been losing possession as effectively as he scored goals last year. He lost the ball over 20 times in the past two matches alone.</p> <p>That’s what like to call unacceptable. He hasn’t been good. The only thing saving him is a game or two where he was pretty influential, but even in those matches, he has only come away with a goal and two assists.</p> <p>It’s been piss-poor for the Chilean, and he’s putting the club in a predicament of considering benching him due to how wildly ineffective he has been.</p> <p>(Andy: 10th; Josh: 16th)</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 12. Olivier Giroud </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_66168" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-66168" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F10%2F863110960-crvena-zvezda-v-arsenal-fc-uefa-europa-league.jpg-850x560.jpg" alt="Arsenal, Olivier Giroud" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">BELGRADE, SERBIA – OCTOBER 19: Olivier Giroud (C) of Arsenal celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Europa League group H match between Crvena Zvezda and Arsenal FC at Rajko Mitic Stadium on October 19, 2017 in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>12. Olivier Giroud</h3> <p>Poor, poor <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=olivier+giroud%22>Olivier Giroud</a>. He is Arsenal through and through and no amount of time spent on the bench is going to change that. He just really wants to be with this club and he really wants to help them lift a trophy or two, as he has already done.</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia"> <div id="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-position="slideshow_inline" data-slot="inline_67024" style="width:300px;margin: 0 auto;"> <script> googletag.cmd.push(function () { googletag.defineSlot("/175840252/fansided.com/PainintheArsenal/mpu",[300, 250], "minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet") .addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.enableServices(); googletag.display("minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet"); }); </script> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="recent-posts "> <h4>More from <b>Pain in the Arsenal</b></h4> <ul> <li> <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/arsenal-interest-miguel-gutierrez-girona/"> Fabrizio Romano confirms Arsenal interest in Girona star </a> </li><li> <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/when-will-martin-odegaard-return-from-his-injury/"> When will Martin Odegaard return from his injury? </a> </li><li> <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/2-midfielders-arsenal-could-sign-in-january-transfer-window/"> 2 midfielders Arsenal could sign in January transfer window </a> </li><li> <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/thomas-partey-unlikely-to-play-for-arsenal-again-in-2023/"> Thomas Partey unlikely to play for Arsenal again in 2023 </a> </li><li> <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/predicted-arsenal-lineup-vs-burnley-saka-fit-to-start/"> Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Burnley: Saka fit to start? </a> </li></ul> </div> <p>Giroud being so mediocre on this list is a result of his lack of opportunities. Keep in mind he saved us from a draw against Leicester City opening day, he scored a wild bicycle to save points against Red Star Belgrade and he scored another in the back-and-forth against BATE Borisov.<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://www.whoscored.com/Players/24444/Show/Olivier-Giroud"> That’s three goals in 500 minutes,</a> not including his two appearances in the League Cup.</p> <p>The goal ratio isn’t there for Giroud, but again, how much can you really pin on him? He is playing for the youth team + Jack Wilshere and if he can’t get service for the youth side, he sure as hell isn’t going to get any with the rotational side.</p> <p>He hasn’t been given a fair chance, and that’s a shame. Maybe this will change later on in the season.</p> <p>(Andy: 11th; Josh: 11th)</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 11. Danny Welbeck </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—></p><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_66717" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-66717" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F10%2F861305038-watford-v-arsenal-premier-league.jpg-850x560.jpg" alt="Arsenal, Danny Welbeck" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">WATFORD, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 14: An injured Danny Welbeck of Arsenal leaves the pitch during the Premier League match between Watford and Arsenal at Vicarage Road on October 14, 2017 in Watford, England. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>11. Danny Welbeck</h3> <p><a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=danny+welbeck%22>Danny Welbeck </a>was the club’s top performer early on, shooting out to three goals and announcing himself as the unexpected participant in the race for the Golden Boot. He was so good that it was becoming obvious that he had to start over Alexis, who had not been so good.</p> <p>And then he got hurt. And then he got hurt again. And just like that, Welbeck’s influence was waning because of the same old problems – he couldn’t stay healthy.</p> <p>What was most remarkable out his burst to three goals was that he was a legitimate threat to the opposing goal. These weren’t  “accidental goals” by any stretch. They were most definitely efforts worthy of an Arsenal first team starter.</p> <p>It’s always a crap-shoot determining what comes after a return from injury. No doubt Welbeck will be just as active in the team, but will his sharpness still be there? We will have to wait and see.</p> <p>(Andy: 12th; Josh: 9th)</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 10. Petr Cech </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_66199" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-66199" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F10%2F863192400-crvena-zvezda-v-arsenal-fc-uefa-europa-league.jpg-850x560.jpg" alt="Arsenal, Petr Cech" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">BELGRADE, SERBIA – OCTOBER 19: Goalkeeper Petr Cech of Arsenal looks on during the UEFA Europa League group H match between Crvena Zvezda and Arsenal FC at Rajko Mitic Stadium on October 19, 2017 in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>10. Petr Cech</h3> <p>Jamie Carragher, after the 3-1 loss to Manchester City two weeks prior, criticised <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=petr+cech%22>Petr Cech’s</a> part in the first goal, claiming that he expected the Arsenal shot-stopper to save Kevin de Bruyne’s angled strike, having got a hand to the effort. While I do not necessarily agree with that assessment, Carragher did say something interesting: Cech is no longer a great goalkeeper; he is simply a good goalkeeper.</p> <p>I think that is something that most would now agree with. That is not to say that Cech is a weakness of this team. His experience, his leadership, and his communication are still essential to holding together an already shaky defence. But he is not at the world-class level that he was when at Chelsea.</p> <p>He has, however, still been extremely solid and reliable this season. He may not be able to save a penalty — 13 faced; 13 scored is his Arsenal record. But he is commanding of his area, authoritative from set plays, something that is unusual for an Arsenal goalkeeper, and experienced. And they, despite being less glamorous, are still extremely important traits to have.</p> <p>(Andy: 9th; Josh: 12th)</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 9. Shkodran Mustafi </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_65108" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-65108" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F09%2F853741676-arsenal-v-west-bromwich-albion-premier-league.jpg-850x560.jpg" alt="Arsenal, Shkodran Mustafi" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 25: Hal Robson-Kanu of West Bromwich Albion and Shkodran Mustafi of Arsenal battle for the ball during the Premier League match between Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion at Emirates Stadium on September 25, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>9. Shkodran Mustafi</h3> <p><a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=shkodran+mustafi%22>Shkodran Mustafi</a>, before a thing injury suffered while playing for Germany midway through the season, was everpresent in the Arsenal defence. Wenger spoke of the trust that he had in the German at the heart of the back-three, providing a nice balance with Laurent Koscielny and Nacho Monreal either side of him.</p> <p>And that is exactly what Mustafi brings to this team. He has a slight edge, a little madness, a little maverick to his play that, while sometimes exposes the defence to vulnerabilities that a more composed and conservative defender would not allow, brings a different element to an Arsenal team that is a little soft under the belly.</p> <p>He still has much to learn. His diving into tackles is a problem that he has been fortunate to get away with so far this season. But, for the most part, Mustafi has continued to show why Wenger trusts him at the heart of the defence. A good, if not great, campaign thus far.</p> <p>(Andy: 13th; Josh: 6th)</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 8. Per Mertesacker </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_66046" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-66046" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F10%2F861303658-watford-v-arsenal-premier-league.jpg-850x560.jpg" alt="Arsenal, Per Mertesacker" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">WATFORD, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 14: Christian Kabasele of Watford jumps between Per Mertesacker and Mohamed Elneny of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Watford and Arsenal at Vicarage Road on October 14, 2017 in Watford, England. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>8. Per Mertesacker</h3> <p>All that can be asked of an experience, veteran, reserve player is that when they are called upon to play, whether it be through injury, suspension or some other reason they stand in with resilience and reliability, helping to bring a seamless transition from one player to the next. That is exactly what <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=per+mertesacker%22>Per Mertesacker</a> has done.</p> <p>When Shkodran Mustafi suffered a thing injury on international duty for Germany, Wenger, with Rob Holding and Calum Chambers both available as more than capable stand-ins, turned straight to the experience and game-understanding of Mertesacker. He was right to do so.</p> <p>Mertesacker has anchored the Arsenal defence superbly when called upon. Although his immobility and lack of pace is a problem that must be protected and adapted to, his reading of the game, his leadership, his organisation and his communication at the heart of the defence is invaluable. Mertesacker has done everything that could have been asked of him. You can’t be better than that.</p> <p>(Andy: 8th; Josh: 8th)</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 7. Jack Wilshere </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_66304" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-66304" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F10%2F863195686-crvena-zvezda-v-arsenal-fc-uefa-europa-league.jpg-850x560.jpg" alt="Arsenal, Jack Wilshere" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">BELGRADE, SERBIA – OCTOBER 19: Jack Wilshere of Arsenal in action during the UEFA Europa League group H match between Crvena Zvezda and Arsenal FC at Rajko Mitic Stadium on October 19, 2017 in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>7. Jack Wilshere</h3> <p>The Arsenal squad, up until this point, has been fairly segregated. Wenger has had a Premier League side and a cup side, with the latter playing in the Europa League and Carabao Cup. <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=jack+wilshere%22>Jack Wilshere</a> is the highest-ranked player of the cup half of the squad. And given his performances this season, that is certainly deserved.</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia"> <div id="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-position="slideshow_inline" data-slot="inline_67024" style="width:300px;margin: 0 auto;"> <script> googletag.cmd.push(function () { googletag.defineSlot("/175840252/fansided.com/PainintheArsenal/mpu",[300, 250], "minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet") .addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.enableServices(); googletag.display("minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet"); }); </script> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>Expectations for Wilshere were low entering the season. He spent the last year on loan, he returned to the club with a broken leg, and there were major doubts over whether he would be an Arsenal player for much longer. Well, for now, he is. And for now, he is playing very well.</p> <p>Wilshere has been the most creative player in the cup team. Playing as an inside-left forward, he has been given the positional freedom and flexibility to drift throughout the pitch. Such a role highlights his spatial awareness, his reading of the game, and his ingenuity of thought on the ball. There is still a long way to go for Wilshere. He has not had many minutes in the league, for example. But three months into the season: so far, so good.</p> <p>(Andy: 7th; Josh: 7th)</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 6. Laurent Koscielny </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—></p><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_66935" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-66935" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F11%2F870516980-manchester-city-v-arsenal-premier-league.jpg-850x560.jpg" alt="Arsenal, Lauremt Koscielny" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 05: Sergio Aguero of Manchester City and Laurent Koscielny of Arsenal battle for possession during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal at Etihad Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>6. Laurent Koscielny</h3> <p>Defensively, Arsenal have not been at their sharpest. These are the teams that have conceded fewer goals than them this season: Manchester City, Manchester United, Spurs, Chelsea, Burnley, Brighton, Huddersfield, Newcastle, Southampton, West Brom, Bournemouth and Swansea. That is not good.</p> <p>But that is not the point of these rankings. These are individual players, and while, as a collective unit, Arsenal may not be all that stout defensively, <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=laurent+koscielny%22>Laurent Koscielny</a>, on an individual basis, has been as good as ever. His deceptive athleticism and speed mean that he is perfectly tailored to the wide centre-half role, he reads the game as well as ever, and he has been performing at the same level while dealing with an Achilles’ issue that he just can’t rid.</p> <p>There are few players that I love as much as Koscielny. He is committed to the club, he is hard working, he does not make a fuss. He is diligent, disciplined, industrious. And, perhaps most importantly, he improves year on year. When fit, there are few better defenders in the Premier League. Arsenal are lucky to have him.</p> <p>(Andy: 3rd; Josh: 10th)</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 5. Hector Bellerin </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_65971" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-65971" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F10%2F861312136-watford-v-arsenal-premier-league.jpg-850x560.jpg" alt="Arsenal, Hector Bellerin" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">WATFORD, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 14: Hector Bellerin of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Watford and Arsenal at Vicarage Road on October 14, 2017 in Watford, England. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>5. Hector Bellerin</h3> <p><a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=hector+bellerin%22>Hector Bellerin </a>most certainly lost his way last season. He entered the year with the expectation that he would continue his meteoric rise to one of the very best full-backs in world football. But a loss of form, an ailing ankle injury, and a crisis of confidence eventually led to his starting role being inherited by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Bellerin was benched.</p> <p>But with Chamberlain now gone, Bellerin has since come to the fore once again. Starting the year solidly, perhaps as he found his feet as a starter once more, he has grown in assuredness with each and every performance. Defensively, he is reliable. Offensively, his searing pace still causes great problems, and in the wing-back role, he is freed to bomb forward as much as he wishes.</p> <p>Bellerin is rediscovering his best form. That is lovely to see, and it serves the future well. He is still an integral part of this team. He is very much needed. Let’s hope that he can continue to impress throughout the year.</p> <p>(Andy: 5th; Josh: 5th)</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 4. Aaron Ramsey </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_66606" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-66606" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F10%2F867444010-arsenal-v-swansea-city-premier-league.jpg-850x560.jpg" alt="Arsenal, Aaron Ramsey" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 28: Aaron Ramsey of Arsenal celebrates scoring his sides second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Swansea City at Emirates Stadium on October 28, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>4. Aaron Ramsey</h3> <p>The fact that <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=aaron+ramsey%22>Aaron Ramsey</a> is ranked as the fourth best Arsenal player this season perhaps tells you more about the squad than it does Ramsey’s form. Now, that is not to take away from Ramsey. He has been one of the more consistent performers this season, barring one disaster at Anfield in August, and is deserving of praise. But he is still not at his best.</p> <p>What is impressive is that, from central midfield, he has scored three goals and assisted a further three. That is the type of attacking production that a player of his quality should be providing on a consistent basis. And, barring injury, there is no reason to think that he cannot continue at a similar pace.</p> <p>More recently, Ramsey has begun to establish himself as a more prominent figure at the heart of the midfield, seemingly understanding his role a little better. There is more to come from the Welshman, though. The fact that that is the case, however, is extremely exciting.</p> <p>(Andy: 6th; Josh: 3rd)</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 3. Alexandre Lacazette </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_66932" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-66932" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F11%2F870519764-manchester-city-v-arsenal-premier-league.jpg-850x560.jpg" alt="Arsenal, Alexandre Lacazette" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 05: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal at Etihad Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>3. Alexandre Lacazette</h3> <p>There is a great pressure on new signings. The anticipation of fans; the expectation of their new manager, who has, likely, staked his reputation on their success; the hopes of their teammates. There are many external reasons as to why a new signing should not prosper, nevermind the challenges that entail on the pitch.</p> <div class="recent-posts "> <h4>More from <b>Pain in the Arsenal</b></h4> <ul> <li> <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/arsenal-interest-miguel-gutierrez-girona/"> Fabrizio Romano confirms Arsenal interest in Girona star </a> </li><li> <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/when-will-martin-odegaard-return-from-his-injury/"> When will Martin Odegaard return from his injury? </a> </li><li> <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/2-midfielders-arsenal-could-sign-in-january-transfer-window/"> 2 midfielders Arsenal could sign in January transfer window </a> </li><li> <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/thomas-partey-unlikely-to-play-for-arsenal-again-in-2023/"> Thomas Partey unlikely to play for Arsenal again in 2023 </a> </li><li> <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/predicted-arsenal-lineup-vs-burnley-saka-fit-to-start/"> Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Burnley: Saka fit to start? </a> </li></ul> </div> <p>But for <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=alexandre+lacazette%22>Alexandre Lacazette</a>, a player who had added pressure because of his breaking the club transfer record to replace a player that he sits behind when internationals roll around, that weight of expectation has not seemed all that heavy. In fact, his shoulders have looked rather light.</p> <p>As a goalscorer, Lacazette will be, naturally, judged on the number of goals that he scores. Six goals in 11 games. So far, so good. And that is the type of player that he was advertised as. He has lived up to his billing.</p> <p>He has, though, provided another, less spoken of, element, an added nuance that wasn’t necessarily anticipated: His hold-up play. For a player of his slight size and stature, Lacazette has a wonderful ability to exploit the movement of his body to protect the ball. His touch is good, his understanding of how and when defenders may try to nick away possession is accurate, and his overall link-up play is outstanding, only blossoming as he continues to bed in. Lacazette was sold as a goalscorer. But he is far more than that It has been an excellent start to life at the Emirates.</p> <p>(Andy: 4th; Josh: 4th)</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 2. Sead Kolasinac </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_66623" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-66623" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F10%2F867440626-arsenal-v-swansea-city-premier-league.jpg-850x560.jpg" alt="Arsenal, Sead Kolasinac" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 28: Sead Kolasinac of Arsenal celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Swansea City at Emirates Stadium on October 28, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>2. Sead Kolasinac</h3> <p>Free signings are easily derivable. They are often players who lack the profile of what fans dream of; they, by nature, do not command a fee, which the average punter often, mistakenly, equates with quality; they can be overlooked as mere complementary pieces, especially if their position is not an attacking one. They are rarely the apple of one’s eye. And yet, if researched and evaluated accurately, they can be truly invaluable.</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia"> <div id="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-position="slideshow_inline" data-slot="inline_67024" style="width:300px;margin: 0 auto;"> <script> googletag.cmd.push(function () { googletag.defineSlot("/175840252/fansided.com/PainintheArsenal/mpu",[300, 250], "minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet") .addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.enableServices(); googletag.display("minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet"); }); </script> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>That is quickly becoming the case with Arsenal and <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=sead+kolasinac%22>Sead Kolasinac</a>. The Bosnian, replacing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Kieran Gibbs as Wenger’s first-choice wing-back alongside Hector Bellerin, has nothing short of superb, bombarding his way up and down the left flank with great power and authority, tremendous athleticism and strength, and a surprising element of finesse and quality, particularly when in and around the penalty area.</p> <p>He has already scored two goals — both lashed efforts that were the ignition to a second-half Arsenal comeback from 1-0 down –, has assisted a further three, al coming in the Premier League, and has also shown defensive acumen when forced the other way. Kolasinac might well be the bargain of the summer. Time will tell. But he has already been one of Arsenal’s very best performers this year.</p> <p>(Andy: 2nd; Josh: 2nd)</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 1. Nacho Monreal </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—></p><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_67026" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-67026" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F11%2F867464496-arsenal-v-swansea-city-premier-league.jpg-850x560.jpg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 28: Nacho Monreal of Arsenal in action during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Swansea City at Emirates Stadium on October 28, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>1. Nacho Monreal</h3> <p>I’ll be honest here, I was not the biggest<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=nacho+monreal%22> Nacho Monreal </a>fan. Throughout his battle with Kieran Gibbs for playing time, I always wanted the injury-stricken Englishman to win out. Monreal was solid. But little more. His lack of speed was exploited at times, his distribution and crossing were wayward and wasteful, and he would be caught unawares far too often for a player of his experience and nous. So it surprises me as much as anyone else to see him sit atop this list.</p> <p>Ironically, the reason for ranking Monreal as the best Arsenal player this season is the exact same one as to why I did not like him before: He is solid. Monreal has been the most consistent, reliable performer in a squad littered with uncertainty and misnomers.</p> <p>Moreover, having been shifted into the wide centre-half role, Monreal’s lack of athleticism has not been targeted as effectively, and his passing is limited to easier ones into the feet of the midfielders and attackers more advanced than him. He is the perfect player to tread the line between full-back and centre-half.</p> <div class="next-post amp-get-next-post lg"><a class="location" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-post-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2017/11/16/arsenal-mid-season-player-rankings/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2015/11/28/30-greatest-arsenal-players/">