2. Mathieu Flamini
Age: 30
Squad Number: 20
Preferred Position: Centre Defensive Mid
Well don’t we all know a little something about Flamini. Originally a signing made back in 2004, he spent a four-year spell with the Gunners, becoming one of the unexpected key figures on the pitch, after laying down strong partnerships with Cesc Fabregas and Gilberto Silva. Following 5 years away from the Emirates, Flamini re-joined Arsenal in the 2013 Summer.
Like Coquelin, his favoured position is at the centre defensive midfield, where he likes to sit back and defend rather than push forward like Wilshere does.
At the age of 30, Flamini has brought experience to the younger players in the side, and has shown that with his passion and reaction when Arsenal conceed a goal. This is a man who will not jump out of a challenge, he is strong and fearless when it comes to winning the ball back, which has been reflected in his less than impressive tally of yellow cards over the years.
What he lacks is the ability to change his style of play, he will always use his right foot and isn’t shy of producing a panic clearance in situations where Arsenal would play their way out of it. His heading ability is a worry as well, at just 5ft 10in he lacks the ability to climb over players without drawing a foul.
Is He Ready?
Yes. The Frenchman is more than capable of stepping into a new position of centre back, after racking up 9 starts for Arsenal this season. He acts as a leader in the heart of defence and that can help the struggling Mertesacker, who has had to ‘babysit’ Bellerin and Chambers as they were ‘broken in’. He isn’t an injury prone player so Wenger can have confidence in that too.
The thing is with Flamini, when it’s going good, it’s going great. Likewise though, if he has a bad start he lacks the ability to up his game and change that attitude. That is unfortunately what makes him such a liability to play in the centre of defence.