The former Gunners captain and Arsenal legend, Patrick Vieira, has spoken out of the current Arsenal side being too soft to be contenders for the Premier League.
It has been more than a decade since Arsenal last won the Premier League.
In recent weeks, the frustration has been raised by Arsenal supporters with boos ringing out on the opening day of the Premier League when Arsenal were beaten 4-3 by visitors Liverpool FC.
Need for physical presence
The former captain believes that while the squad is still enjoyable to watch, there is a need for a much more physical presence in midfield so that the flair players can then show their skills without fear.
While taking to The Mirror, he elaborated how during his time several players had flair but the physical presence in their game, helped them display that flair in a more commanding manner.
From the goalkeeper David Seaman, followed by centre backs Sol Campbell, with leadership in the form of Bergkamp and the finishing prowess of Thierry Henry, who were light on their feet but physical enough not to be pushed off the ball.
While recognizing the current style as more mobile and technical, Vieira believes that a force of personality can only help the team get better.
Wenger has been on the lookout to sign a defender but there still hasn’t been any movement on that front. Vieira admittedly agrees that Wenger is a connoisseur of the ‘Beautiful Game’, but believes that a balance between creativity and physical presence has to be restored in order for the team to start winning trophies.
With last season being considered a golden opportunity squandered, Arsene Wenger is under pressure to deliver. With a side which is high on flair, Vieira is of the opinion that a better blend of talents such as Ozil and Sanchez with the physicality of Xhaka, Coquelin and Elneny needs to be used in a better manner.
Lack of ex-players in coaching staff
Having been the captain of ‘The Invincibles’, the 40-year-old is within his right to recognise the deficiency which currently ails the club. Currently coaching the New York City Football Club, in the MLS, he also pointed out the dearth of ex-Gunners on the coaching staff of the London club.
Vieira said, “It is good for the young players who could see an Henry, Fredrik Ljungberg, Campbell or a Martin Keown who have been at the club a good few years working in the academy, or working somewhere. I think they can do it a bit more.
“When you are talking about Thierry, Ljungberg, Robert Pires, Keown, they are well respected in the club, they have been professional players and good examples for the kids, all of them doing their badges, so that means they really want to do it.”
Stating the example of the Dutch club, Ajax Amsterdam, where the old players end up working for the club, on the field and the office, he believed that kind of culture only strengthens the clubs ties with the players and fans.
Viera questioned as to why the London club hadn’t adopted a similar plan, given the experience available.
While being critical, Viera was still of the view that Arsene Wenger is still the best manager to lead Arsenal and if he can find a remedy for the physical situation then he believes that Arsenal can be title contenders.
Arsenal currently sit 12th in the Premier League after taking just one point from their opening two games.
