The defensive midfielder that Arsenal had been craving so desperately for years, had been right under their noses all along…
The 2007/08 season is one that will be forever branded into the memories of the Arsenal faithful.
Robin van Persie’s lengthy injury allowed Eduardo to burst onto the scene and finally gain some significant playing time. The Croatian/Brazilian striker’s lethal form inspired the Gunners to climb to the top of the league, before that infamous Martin Taylor tackle ended his season; essentially his Arsenal career, and arguably his side’s title aspirations.
The following season Arsenal didn’t come close to title contention, finishing in fourth place and a staggering 18 points behind the champions, Manchester United. The difference may have been the fact that they lost Gilberto Silva and Mathieu Flamini in the summer. And, after selling Lassana Diarra in January, the Gunners were desperately short in defensive midfield.
Silva was the unsung hero of the Invincibles team – the defensive rock that afforded Thierry Henry, Robert Pires and co. the peace of mind to do their thing at the other end of the pitch. Arsene Wenger tried and tested several defensive midfielders of varying quality after the Brazilian’s departure, but they were never quite able to fill the gaping Silva-shaped void in the centre of the park.
Fast-forward to season 2014/15, and many were dubious as to whether either one of Mikel Arteta or prodigal son Flamini were the answer to Arsenal’s holding midfield conundrum. Few could have predicted that the real saviour would come in the form of a player who started the season on loan in the Championship.
Since Francis Coquelin’s return to the club, Arsenal have only lost two league games, which is a stark contrast to the five losses they suffered before Christmas. What differentiates Coquelin from the Alex Songs of this world is his selflessness. The novelty of having a defensive midfielder playing the role of a defensive midfielder has brought a balance to the team.
The Frenchman’s collectivism and willingness to perform the simple task asked of him is what stands out about the competitive tyro. It makes him the anti-Song. For every wonder-assist resulting from one of the departed Cameroonian’s forward runs, there were hundreds that ended in dispossession, heaping pressure onto the Arsenal defence behind him.
Francis Coquelin: Has made at least 29 more tackles + interceptions (120) than any other player in the PL in 2015 pic.twitter.com/PSG8iDieME
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) May 4, 2015
Coquelin embraces his role as the enforcer of Arsenal’s midfield. He recognises that the attacking prowess of Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla and Alexis Sanchez means that he isn’t much required in the final third. Coquelin is content in doing the equally important job of alleviating stress on the backline, and providing a solid base for Arsenal’s attacks.
Ironically, his penchant for doing this so-called thankless job is what has Arsenal supporters singing his praises, and the reason he has ultimately nailed him down a first team place at the Emirates.
Considering that Coquelin struggled to break into the starting XI during his loan spell at Charlton Athletic, his progress since being recalled by his parent club has been astounding. In the space of a few months, he has become a vital cog in the well-oiled Arsenal machine.
And, if he continues his current rate of progress, he might persuade Wenger that defensive midfield is one position that doesn’t need addressing come the summer.
