This was an interesting question posed by bobo_97 on the match thread. If everyone was fit and we had a massive game coming up, who would you rather pick? For me, I would give the nod to Arteta because although he might not have Flamini's energy, he is a smarter player and let's not forgot about the defensive shield he formed with Ramsey at the back end of last season. Those two would help us shore up the defence and Arteta also has more to his game in terms of passing.
Arteta. Nothing against Flamini, it's just Arteta is one of the best CM's in the league. He has an almost telepathic understanding with Ramsey too, which helps us out a lot. Though it could be argued that Flamini allows Ramsey to play a little more adventurously.
Arteta just ahead of Flamini for me. Although both offer the team a lot and in different ways. I just think it's great that we're able to have this poll, we've finally found some solutions in the holding MF role
I think I would give flamini the nod because he gives us something different. Would be interesting seeing arteta as a normal CM instead of a DMF. Not to divert too much but I think vermaelen could be a potential DMF.
Different players for different games. Flamini offers more urgency which is good aginst the more physical sides. Arteta is one of the best passers in the league and overall the better player. Both will get plenty of games. Same can be said for Rosicky
As with David Luis i think Vermaelen would be excellent in the 'Makelele role'. We dont currently play a traditional DM though in our system. I would like to see Wenger try it though.
Arteta. Another issue is Flamini dives in more. Against the top teams I can see him racking up two yellows pretty quick. He does seem to control himself more when he's in the book though. I noticed Flamini pinging the ball around quite well against Sunderland, so I wouldn't criticise his passing too much, though Arteta is still better.
Flamini is more mobile and i think he gets to where he needs to be defensively better than Arteta does, but Arteta's overall game is better. It's great to have the option of two players for this position!
Interesting debate. Flamini has impressed but has to prove it over a long period for me, whereas Arteta we know is class and carries some of the most impressive stats in football. Nice to have options...
I would like revisit this debate seeing as Wenger today dropped Flamini in favour of Arteta, and I thought the Spaniard had a great to be fair. Against the bigger sides, I can see us playing both, but when you have a CM like Ramsey, it's not too often that you will need both Flamini and Arteta. So for most of the games, it's going to be case of Flamini or Arteta. I still prefer Flamini purely because he gives more energy and I think is a bit faster on the ball compared to Arteta.
I prefer Arteta because of his understanding with Ramsey, his leading by example approach, and his passing is much better. And he knows where to find space on a crowded pitch. And he has better hair.
I went for Flamini but I had to think about it and I imagine a few others did too! Love Arteta and think he's an excellent player but I just like the added energy and drive that Flamini gives us. He's so vocal too and protective over the squad which is something we've not seen in a good long while. Lovely moment in the Stoke game when he got in their faces when Jack was being humped all over the pitch. TBH though I'd not be devastated to see one start over the other. Lovely bit o' depth that and for FREEEEEEEEEEEE!
I like both of them but i'm going for Flamini as he has an edge over Arteta in both reading the game defensively and breaking up play. I think with Flamini you have more confidence in our midfield to attack, more than with Arteta. Saying that, Arteta has done very well in that position too. I just feel that Flamini's primary duty is to defend and he knows exactly how to do it. He also comes across as a good commander in the centre of midfield, something we've missed. With him and Mertz at the back, we've been the most solid at the back in quite some time.
This IMO. I am not sure I could tell you which games in advance, but I am sure everyone has their own idea. Clearly they are different players and will suit different situations. As far as I can see, neither is appreciably stronger than the other right now.
From a neutral perspective, you never really replaced Flamini until you replaced him with .............. Flamini Better defensively than Arteta (important because that's the role) - His return is one of the reasons why you are up there.
In fairness Song played very well for one season as a DM. Thought he was brilliant then too. Shame he suddenly wanted to become an attacking midfielder on perma-roam. Still, at least he's getting plenty of game time with Barca...
