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Mikel Arteta was brought from Everton a couple of seasons ago as a replacement for the the skipper, Cesc Fabregas. Arteta was bought in the dying seconds of the Window as Arsène Wenger wrapped up a transfer that would be quite successful in next two seasons to come. Arsenal had sealed a transfer of a well established player in England’s most elite division.
The former Everton man has been incredible for the Gunners and has even developed excellently in his new role as a defensive midfielder since the start of the season. The 31 year old was used behind the no. 10, and was placed alongside Alex Song in his first season in red and white and performed quite well there as well. He has scored 6 goals each in his both seasons at the club. After two very successful years, it seems now that his place as a continuous starter is unsure for next season. Here are the reasons why:
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1. He is not a proper CDM
Arsenal’s only defensive midifielder was Alex Song who left for Spanish giants Barcelona last summer despite him not truly staying at the back. Arsenal haven’t had a proper player to protect the back four since Gilberto Silva, but now it looks as if one is required in the modern game to keep a balance in the team. Though Mikel Arteta has been at his very best as a holding midfielder this past season, he lacks the physique and strength required to be in that position. Also, Arsenal’s number 8 is naturally not a defensive minded player, but he has restricted himself this season many times by not shooting from long range as he used to the season before. But regardless of that, he has mostly played behind the striker or on the wings. Next season, Arsène Wenger’s first priority would be to bring in a defensive minded midfielder, which might restrict Areta’s role in the team next season.
2. The duo of Wilshere and Ramsey
Both Wilshere and Ramsey have caught the eye this season after performing impressively in the middle of the park. The pair offer a high work rate defensively and offensively and work their socks off week in week out. Lately, Ramsey has been doing extremely well in his new role alongside Arteta, which has forced Arsène Wenger to put Wilshere on the bench. However, when Wilshere has been starting, he has been given a job behind the striker. Both the Welshman and the Englishman would now be looking to form a partnership and would want to get themselves estabilished in the Arsenal engine room. With Rosicky, Wilshere and Cazorla battling for the number 10 position, and with a new defensive midfielder most likely coming in, Arteta might not feature much due to the others requiring more game time.
3. The ‘OX’
Alex Oxlade Chamberlain entered this season with some expectations after setting quite high standards the season before. The English international has had a mixed season. Chamberlain did make a breakthrough in the England first team, also netting his first goal for the sides and then adding a few more to it but for the Arsenal, the ‘OX’ hasn’t had a particularly brilliant season. The 19 year old has found the back of the net just twice – both spectacular goals – but hasn’t been consistent. He has said to be suffering from what they call a ‘second season syndrome.’
Though all of the above has nothing to do with the already established Mikel Arteta, but the last game on Sunday was a shock to Arsenal fans when Chamberlain was bought on for Arteta after the captain’s injury and rather than playing on the left and shifting Cazorla – who is naturally a CAM – back in, he stayed alongside Ramsey and took a much more defensive role. This was totally unexpected though Arsène Wenger has said that AOC’s future lies as a centre mid. This was the reason that I picked up this point as Oxlade Chamberlain’s development might hinder Arteta’s already slight chances to play next season.
These were the reasons why he might not start. On the other hand though, Arteta might be once again a regular starter. The Spaniard is a complete midfielder and might be given more freedom in his role next season. Him being captain for most parts in the latter season might force Wenger to put him in the first XI due to his invaluable experience. Areta has been orchestrating the midfield in every match and has one of the highest pass completion rate. Arsenal’s vice captain is surely not that old and rusty and would like to be a part of the team once again. His next aspiration might be to lead the Gunners to glory in the 2013/2014 season.
