I have to admit that I didn't really rate Coquelin that highly. In the past he's been easily bypassed and never really imposed himself in games in that DM role. But since he's come into the team in the absence of Arteta, I've been steadily impressed with his ability to mop up and keep possession and more importantly keep the ball moving. He looks like he's beginning to read games well and is growing into that DM role. Question is, if he keeps improving can he make that position his own ? Or do we need to go out and buy an established DM ? We have just brought in Bielik to develop in that position and Wenger has said that he sees Chambers long term role in a defensive midfield position also. My feeling is that whilst Coq is looking like a steady and solid player, I'm not sure he will be more than a squad player long term. I still think we need to bring in a top quality defensive midfielder to ensure we are consistent in that area, as it's been our Achilles Heel for such a long time and when we manage it properly (like today at City) then it allows our creative players to flourish.
As of now I still think we should go for a DM like Morgan S. in the summer, but we should defo tie down Le Coq to a new contract as Flamini will be off soon and Arteta's legs are gone. Lad has stepped up to the plate and who knows, if he keeps his level of performance up we might not need another starting DM.
Ill be honest, I never understood why he was never given a proper chance in the team until now, whenever I saw him play for us in the few times he did, I thought he looked good and that there might be something there. At this point I don't think Wenger will sign a new DMF, so the Coq has a whole second half of the season to show whether he can be that man. I still think we should go for another DMF regardless, because I think we will release Flamini in the summer, and though Arteta has another year on his contract, he is getting kinda injury prone.
He should be given a good run before we can make that conclusion, but he could be the backup instead of Flamini? We do need a proper commanding DM to complement all our attacking flair. Not sure if Coqs fits that bill....
It's so hard to say. I can't grumble with what he's done so far and he seems to be gaining in confidence. Thing is, I thought Flamini was superb for us in his first few months back at the club and his game has gone right down the sh*tter. You never can tell with players. If Arsene has confidence in Bielik then would he buy a new DM if he has faith in Coquelin too? He made an interesting remark after Citeh saying sometimes injuries force your hand and you get a pleasant surprise. It does make me wonder if he was set to cut his losses until recently. Obviously he must have seen something there initially but maybe thought it had stagnated. Personally, and this is very shallow, I'd like to spend on a finished article for that role. I'd keep Coquelin and cut our losses with the pointy, shouty Frenchman. In a few years time Bielik will be ready to come through if he's good enough.
This. If he can put those type of performances in consistently, then I dont see why not. Still only young I know, but looked very promising.
I have to say I thought he looked poor back before he went out on loan. I used to think he had a bit of Denilson about him. (i.e. decent technically but a defensive midfielder who can't really do the 'defensive' part of his job very well) He seems to have got physically stronger now which is a big bonus. Be very interesting to see how he does over the next few games.
I would keep him... BUT we still need to go and get Morgan Schneiderlin. In some big games we could play 2 DMs. We will have enough in top quality in that area to compete in all competitions. We could rely on Arsene's Coq till the end of the season, but I think we should be proactive on this.
Not sold on Sneiderlin. He's certainly not 'World Calss'. Being a little overrated at the moment and I think Wanyama has been equally as good for Southampton lately. Lars or Sven Bender for me.
Schneiderlin for me is the perfect candidate. Knows the league, and hardly has a bad game. He is good in the tackle and can play as well. Gets the odd goal. For me, he's perfect for Arsenal.
I'd love either Lars or Sven, they would be awesome in our team and I think you'd see our CBs play much better with better protection (and as a result our GK as well), and also the rest of our midfielders, and we should be able to keep the ball better and players like Ramsey, Oxo, Cazorla would be able to attack more confidently.
The way I see it is - still buy a top quality DM who can play NOW but keep Coquelin as the under-study/rotation player. Flamini is likely to be gone at the end of the season and Arteta can't play as many games as he used to, so Coquelin is essentially a new signing to take Flamini's squad position. Having Coquelin and Bielik as our only proper DM options is just asking for trouble.
Arsene's Coq still seems a bit physically small and, in lots of previous games, very flaccid in the tackle.
Self reflective Freudian slip there maybe .... Anyway I don't think a DM necessarily needs to be a big physical player. The modern game is more about having a mobile player who can read the game. Somebody who can shield the back four, anticipate where the pass is going and track runners is far more valuable than a Lump who puts a boot in.
HILARIOUS punnage aside, I read he's supposed to be 5'11 which surprised me. He definitely looks to have bulked up a bit in the last season or two. Regardless, I don't think height makes much difference, it's about ground covered/tenacity/reading the game. Look at how well players like Mascherano have done in that role and he's not exactly gigantor. It's good to have this discussion though and Coquelin is a credit to someone who's been given an opportunity, as is Bellerin. Too often players don't take their chances so it's nice to see for once.
