Age: 28
Nationality: Spanish
Position: Left-back
Squad no. 18
Height: 5ft 10
Interesting Fact: Monreal recently revealed his love for the film ‘The Notebook’ on Instagram.
Monreal started his career in Spain with Osasuna, before moving to Malaga and helping them reach the Champions League for the first-time in their history. In January 2013, Monreal switched to the Premier League and joined Arsenal for a fee believed to be around £8.3m. In that time he has featured regularly for the club across all competitions, including the Champions League, but often finds himself behind Kieran Gibbs in the pecking order.
How much will he play?
The Spanish full-back has never quite be considered a guaranteed starter, as when Kieran Gibbs is fit he finds himself on the bench. However, Gibbs’ injury record is very concerning and it means Monreal features more regularly than many would think. This season, an early injury once again to Gibbs has given Monreal another run in the starting line-up. With Arsenal having just two senior central-defenders in the squad, Per Mertesaker and Laurent Koscielny, Monreal is likely to be called upon to cover that position at some point- as it is an area he is comfortable filling in.
How well will he do?
There have been concerns about Monreal’s performances and whether he is up to the required standard that Arsenal require, as his displays throughout last season weren’t thrilling. That said, the Spanish defender has already shown signs of improvement this season and if he continues with his current form then Kieran Gibbs will have difficulty getting his starting place back.
Monreal might not be one of the best defenders in the league but he is fully capable at the back, as well as going forward- where you’ll often find him overlapping on the left-flank and whipping dangerous balls into the box. Monreal recently moved to number 18, as Alexis Sanchez took number 17.
Read: Report cards for the whole Arsenal squad
Tackling: 7/10
Positioning: 7/10
Heading: 6/10
Strength: 6/10
Pace: 6/10
Crossing: 8/10
Current Value: £6m
Potential Value: £10m
Overall Rating: 7/10