da gbg bet： Amid several recycled claims that Arsenal have been desperate for a solid defensive midfielder this season, Francis Coquelin is all of a sudden fast becoming another stand-out name at the Emirates. He may lack the height and physicality of Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic, and he might not have quite the same level of ability as West Ham’s Alex Song, but Wenger’s latest French sensation has nevertheless proven to be quite an asset for his side throughout the 2014/15 campaign.
da winzada777： Fresh from returning to north London from a loan spell at Charlton earlier on this season, Coquelin looks completely revitalized in Arsenal’s current midfield set-up, with the 23-year-old seemingly slotting in perfectly alongside the attacking talents of Santi Cazorla, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez.
In light of Arsene Wenger successfully sourcing yet another gem to add to his collection of star finds throughout the years, is Francis Coquelin the player Arsenal fans have been waiting for all this time, or is he simply not yet ready to take on the magnitude of expectation that comes with such a role?
The up-and-coming young Frenchman has certainly staked a worthwhile claim for himself since re-emerging in Arsenal’s starting XI this season. He brings with him an effective ability to soak up pressure from the opposition like any true defensive midfielder should, but he is also adept at quickly breaking up play and starting off counter-attacks for his own teammates. Coquelin proved one of Arsenal’s stand-out performers in this week’s FA Cup clash with Manchester United, and although he could still become that bit more tenacious in his approach, the signs definitely look promising for the Emirates faithful.
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The determined defensive midfielder – who incidentally spent the 2013/14 campaign on loan with Bundesliga outfit Freiburg last season – is quickly becoming one of the Premier League’s most improved players this term, with an illustrious call up the French national team not completely out of the picture.
Many within the footballing community have nonetheless been critical of Arsenal of late. The Gunners’ lack of defensive cover has been a major weakness in the team’s plans this season – with such a vulnerability inevitably holding the north Londoners back from truly challenging the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City for the title this campaign. Francis Coquelin therefore represents a real step forward in the club’s hopes for progress next season.
However, whilst the 23-year-old Frenchman certainly gives Wenger reason for celebration, it would be typical of Arsenal and their fans to rest of their laurels now and expect their team to already be well placed to really push on next term. The former Charlton loanee is undoubtedly in good shape at the moment, but he is simply not the finished article yet. If Arsene Wenger over-relies on Coquelin too much throughout this breakthrough stage in his career, the player himself may ultimately burn out in the same way many of his Arsenal predecessors have done in the past.
An experienced, no-nonsense defensive midfielder should still be of the highest priority throughout the summer for Arsenal, as well as perhaps a solid centre-forward and some more defensive cover at the Emirates. With the right additions on board, the Gunners may finally be well placed to regain their lofty title winning status in the Premier League – but only if such squad depth issues are finally addressed.
Francis Coquelin nevertheless remains a strong prospect for the not too distant future, and with a few more experienced pros alongside him to guide the Frenchman through this crucial stage of his career, the Gunners’ no. 34 will only move from strength to strength in the testing realms of Premier League football.
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