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Arsenal have successfully landed their first signing of the Unai Emery Era in Stephan Lichtsteiner, on a free transfer. The Swiss defender has been one of the most reliable men in the Juventus squad since joining them from Lazio back in 2011.
Also read: 3 Things Unai Emery Needs To Do Right Away At Arsenal
He has been a vital cog in one of the most defensively sound units of the Italian game with Juve alongside the likes of Chiellini and Bonnucci with the legendary Gianluigi Buffon behind them. Although various managers in Antonio Conte and Massimiliano Allegri have tinkered with the left side of the defence the veteran full-back has managed to hang onto his right-back spot in his time at Turin.
Arsenal have been reportedly interested in bringing quality to the Emirates as they plan to make a purposeful statement under the new manager, signaling their ambitions in the days and months to come. In all honesty, a 34-year-old full-back nearing the end of his career is hardly the marquee signing that will satisfy the fans and understandably, the board and management at Arsenal have come under fire for their interest in a player, who by all intents and purposes, has long passed his peak.
However, we reckon that Lichtstiener will be successful in bringing these three things along with him to the North London side:
#3 Leadership
Undeniably a veteran of the game, the Swiss international has what it takes to command the respect of the younger players in the squad.
A possible steward under Emery, Lichtsteiner can bring a sense of leadership to the squad as the players will have someone to look up to. Someone who has been involved in big matches on the biggest stages in the game.
With Arsenal captain out with an Achilles injury, which sidelined him form the World Cup and the start of the campaign next season, Stephan Lichsteiner can be the calm and composed head in the relatively inexperienced Arsenal back-line with the likes of Rob Holding, Callum Chambers, and Hector Bellerin in their ranks.
Arsenal seemed completely inept when called upon to defend in the recently concluded season in which they ended up conceding over 60 goals; more than in any of the previous 5 years. Hopefully, the presence of a seasoned leader in the side will help the youngsters learn the basics of defending their lines, something they seem completely averse to at the moment.
Also read: Arsenal: Grading The Squad For 2017/18
#2 Quality defensive cover
Arsenal have never had one of the most defensively sound units, at least not since 'The Invincibles'. What they have lacked even more is the quality in depth that the substitutes playing for a club with a stature of the North London side should possess. Or simply, have lacked any depth at all.
After losing Bacary Sagna to Manchester City, Wenger got extremely lucky when Hector Bellerin more than just stepped up to the occasion. In fact, he went on to make the spot his. The former manager decided to bring in a Mattieu Debuchy to provide cover for the Spaniard but his association with long-term injuries did little to help the cause.
In Stephan Lichsteiner Arsenal finally, have a defender who not only is decidedly top quality but also possesses the astute defensive mind of an old-fashioned defender, in sharp contrast to the attacking mindset of the modern day wing-backs. Something which has cost Arsenal dearly, even recently with Bellerin when he looked completely out of his depth when asked to perform his defensive side of duties, over the course of the season.
The Swiss international can also slot into the centre-back position with Koscielny when he is eventually back alongside either Monreal of Mustafi. That looks like a much more assured back-line that the one which failed to keep a clean sheet away from home in all but one game since the turn of the year.
Also read: 10 Greatest Tributes To Arsene Wenger
#1 Experience
The biggest thing that the signing of Stephan Lictsteiner brings to Arsenal is his undeniable experience. Lichsteiner has been one of the most dependable players in his time in Italy and has also captained his national side in his 3 World Cup tournaments.
He is just one short of the magical number of 100 international caps for his side, scoring 8 goals and assisting 7 in the process.
For Juventus, Lichsteiner has played in 259 games and has also won a staggering 6 Scudettos on the trot with the Old Lady.
In his entire career, Lichtsteiner has played in over 500 games and has the experience and the intellect to match that number. And considering he cost Arsenal next to nothing, he is a brilliant addition to the side, at least in terms of the experience he brings to the table.
What do you make of Arsenal's first signing? Have your say in the comments section.
