What you see is what you get with Nacho Monreal, and after shrugging off competition from Kieran Gibbs he’s become Wenger’s number one left full-back.
- Age: 31
- Nationality: Spanish
- Position: Full-back, centre-back
- Best Attribute: Composure whilst moving forward
- Biggest Weakness: Playing attackers on their weaker foot
Season Prediction:
With the arrival of Sead Kolasinac and departure of Kieran Gibbs, it looks as if Monreal will take on a slightly different role this season. For the majority of the summer the Spaniard featured in the back three of defence, with Wenger turning his age into an advantage by having another experienced member in front of goal. Monreal is reliable, left footed and knows the team well enough to speak up when something needs to be said. I think this season will be a last hurrah from him before we see Kolasinac and Cohen Bramall take over.
Player Objectives:
Making sure he’s ready when needed, and with the likes of Holding, Gabriel and Mertesacker also wanting a spot as a centre back it won’t be easy to cement a regular role. I think he’ll act as a great mentor to Bramall and Kolasinac and has shown he’s capable of keeping young players out of the side no matter how pacy they are. His main objective will be to help the team in any way he can. He’s had his moment in the spotlight and should now transition into a leader of the left-hand side.
How Much Will He Play?
You know what you’re going to get when you put him in the starting line-up and that’s an average performance that will often produce a moment of magic to define a game. He won’t be playing as much as last year but will still be required to sit back into this new position and possibly cover Kolasinac or The Ox at left wing-back should either of them pick up an injury.
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