I think this is going to be a really interesting battle in the years to come. Both young players that can play the DM role. Both players that have so much energy and can cover so much ground. While Frimpong has got all the hype I think Coquelin has gone under the rader with his performances and the fact that he is actually now a player that is part of the squad. Coquelin did pretty well against United. When he was subbed off the score was 3-1 and we where getting back into the game when Arshavin missed that one on one and we where starting to attack them. This game was his first in the prem for us and away to the best team in the league and trying to mark Rooney. Frimpomg also had a very good debut until he got sent off. Coquelin for me is a far better player with the ball then Frimpong. In the carling cup he hardly gave the ball away but Frimpong does have those moments where he plays a nothing pass. Coquelin rarely has those. By all accounts he was really good in his loan spell at Lorient and they wanted him back but Wenger felt that we needed him this season. And for me its not as clear cut as most seem to think as to who is better and who should play for us now between Frimpong and Coquelin. This guys reminds me a lot of Flamini because of the energy in his play and he can play like a box to box player. He would be the perfect player in a 4-4-2 and maybe one day him and Wilshere can play there. But i do like Frimpong also. He knows his game at a young age and does have the sheer physical gifts to also become very good for us. But needs to become better on the ball and Coquelin needs to grow physically. But for me he has all the tools to become a DM for us and for me he has more potential then Frimpong. What does everyone else think?
I agree with Jayram. (it's a rarity but it does happen) I dont think Coquelin is robust enough to play as Defensive midfielder in the Premierleague. The key thing for me is that against United Coquelin showed a lack of fight whereas Frimpong does'nt shy away from the more aggressive physical side of the game. He's also more athletic. Frimpong is younger and already further along the pecking order which just proves he's the better performer in training.
Coquelin for me all day long, I think there is too much hype surrounding frimpong, maybe iv been watching different games from you guys, he cost us the game against Liverpool, I remember watching that game, and said after 10 minutes to my brother (who is not an arsenal fan) that frimpong was going to get sent off. I didn't think he was that great on Wednesday night, the game seem to pass him by, tho he did come into I a bit more towards the end. He is physically a beast, but he has a lot to do before he convinces me he should be starting ahead of coquelin, and I just think he is an accident waiting to happen with regard discipline. He was actually quite muted on Wednesday night, maybe a sign that he is trying to address this.
You serious?? He was very good. Never put a foot wrong. Tracked their midfield runners and was very good with his passing in tight spaces. Made a stop at CB too in the end.
I thot he was our best player, broke up play and gave the ball to ramsey and arteta, its a pity they didn't do much with it tho. He did the job of a proper DM, not the song type i.e bursting forward. Generally I was really impressed considering it is only his second PL game, much more to come from him IMO.
This is a kid playing DM in his first NL derby against midfield players like Modric and Parker and also had VDV moving into the middle. Take that all into account and he was outstanding. Always calm on the ball and tracked his runners nearly everytime and also had Ramsey alongside him giving the ball away every 5 minutes it seemed. Like i said before we have found one here.
