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Centre-backs - Rob Holding and Sokratis Papastathopoulos
One of the main problems in the defence last year for the Gooners was in the form of Shkodran Mustafi. While there is a chance he could remain on in Unai Emery's starting lineup, most fans have gotten tired of the German's presence in the backline.
One unforgettable game in the minds of fans was only a few months ago against Crystal Palace. Arsenal lost 2-3 to Palace in a shocking turn of events, and all three conceded goals had to do with errors committed by Shkodran Mustafi, angering the Arsenal faithful.
He's not very liked right now, and he would need to win the fans' approval again.
Taking his place on this list is Rob Holding who is very capable of becoming a world-class defender in the future. The young Englishman made only 10 appearances for Arsenal in the Premier League, but he has been as consistent as possible. Notably, Holding has made nearly four clearances per game, and more than one interception and tackle per game on average.
Receiving only one yellow card, he has won over two aerial duels per game, keeping his passing accuracy rates at a solid 88%. While he can be groomed into becoming a ball-playing defender, capable of building an attack from the backline, more game time this season will help the 23-year-old mature faster.
Sokratis Papastathopoulos is the other centre-back that makes the list. While Holding is a young defender for the future, the experienced Greek has played for Borussia Dortmund in the past and has been a great help to Arsenal's backline.
Sokratis made 37 appearances for the Gunners throughout last season, starting 36 times. He notably featured in Arsenal's run to the final of the Europa League, and unlike Mustafi, has been a fan favourite.
The 31-year-old centre-back contributed to five goals last term for Arsenal, scoring three. Yet his real contributions have been in defence, where he made nearly two tackles, four clearances, and one interception per game. He has also won at least two aerial duels per game.
His most notable strengths are his passing, concentration, maturity, and ability to lead the defence. Last season, he averaged a pass accuracy rate of 90%, which is saying something.
Sokratis is set to lead the backline again this season, and Gooners will hope that it will lead to fewer goals conceded.
