Forgot about the contract extension! Although it's only until June 2016 (I think). If Flamini leaves, our DM options are still only Coquelin, Arteta (coming to the end of his career), Bielik (very very young) and Chambers (unproven in that position). I would still try and get somebody more athletic and powerful.
I think people are getting way ahead of themselves concerning Coq. We've had a huge issue with the DM spot this season with Arteta out (not a natural DM to be honest) and Flamini being poor. This has therefore made Coqs look spectacular when in reality he's done a good job of a position that we've been utterly pants in. Give the guy a lengthy run against all oppo and assess him then. Even if he does a good enough job, we need more depth in that position. Other than Coqs, we only have Chambers who is the closest thing we have to a natural DM, but he is far too young/inexperienced. Come summer time we'll have a few players that need to leave, so we should be able to do something about it then.
I agree, two players I would jettison this summer would be Flamini and Arteta. Flamini isn't good enough and what's the point of Arteta? We already have Ramsey, Wilshere and Rosicky so why have Arteta as well, who really isn't a DM anyway. Get a top quality DM and a striker if possible and we're done for the summer
That's a bit unfair, let's say we get a top DMF who does great, can we then say oh yeah it's because what we had before was **** so off course he will look good! Coq has been good because he is good, and the fact he makes Flam-Arteta seem so poor is a testament to him and how we improved, not a negative. Ever since Coq has been in the team we have got the job done and the issue of a DMF has looked less and less as an issue. There's still a long way to go, but if Coq maintains this level until the end of the season, then can't really complain and say he doesn't deserve to have that DMF spot as his.
I think the Coq has done really well so far. Having spent so much time on loan and looking like it was probably his last year with us he has stepped up and taken the chance given to him. I never really rated him before but this season he has played to a high standard. I'm pleased he signed a new contract and think he is a good option to play the DM role. I'd like to see more of him over a longer period of time and do think he needs time to properly develop into a top player. Which brings me onto the other DM options we have and who there is to teach him his craft. Flamini was a good signing, he played well for a season but now looks past it, he hasn't performed to the level we need him to and I think he needs to be let go at the end of the season. I think he signed a three year deal though when we signed him so he may still have a year left on his deal? We might need to loan him out or try and find a club to buy him. But I'm not 100% on that. He has been a good player for the club in both his spells with us and I will have fond memories of him but it's time he went. Arteta has just signed a contract extension and I do think he has quality about him. He is good at keeping the game moving and is an experienced head to have in the dressing room. He won't be able to play every game at his age and with his injury issues but I can see him playing a rosicky-esque role for us but in the DM/CM position. I'd keep him to keep the depth we have in midfield. Good squad player. I feel Coquelin could learn a lot about the role of linking defense and attack and passing from Arteta. I would add in a new DM to take Flaminis place in the squad. With Diaby on his way out as well we have room for another combative midfield man. There are times we have played both flamini and Arteta to have a solid base to the team, times when we need another strong man as a sub and the season is long with plenty of time for rotation so I don't think another body would be a problem at all. Verdict: Keep Arteta and Coq, Sell Flamini, Buy a first choice option to fight with Coq for a starting spot.
We need another DM a sure as eggs are eggs Coq will get injured so we need to have cover, we also need another option upfront to give Giroud a rest
I'm not going to argue with you, it never achieves anything. Personally, I'm just glad you're back. Was worried with our recent flurry of good results that we'd have seen the last of you.
I think another DM is vital if we are serious about challenging for the title. Even for injuries alone, not to mention quality and tactics.
I'm not trying to spin a negative on things but we've been down this road before where we've got excited about a players after a few games and then it all changes. Of course I want him to succeed but you can't discount the fact that we've been poor in that position for many years. Coqs is currently going through a good patch but you can only assess someone over a much longer period. What happens if he goes on a downer? Who else can come in to replace him that is good enough? This is a very important position in our team and is pivotal to us pushing on. Will Coqs do it? Only time will tell but one thing is certain, we don't have nowhere near as much cover in this position than anywhere else on the pitch.
As I said, let's wait till the end of the season, still a long way to go, and lot's of big games and tricky games which will tell us a whole lot more about him. So far though he has gotten the job done, and has gotten the job done in really important big games as well, like City, United, so he's doing what he has to do. But still other big games to prove his worth like Liverpool, Chelski, and United away, plus the semi final. Even the Monaco away game will tell us a lot because he is going to be very vital in that game because we're just going to have to go for it meaning he will have his work cut out.
True, these will give us an indication of how good he can go. So far he's been a revelation this season and i'm hoping he can hang with the very best.
Even against Spurs I thought he was the good out of a bad bunch. The only game so far where he didn't look good was VS Southampton, the whole team was basically bad that day, was like a non-event for our players.
Please watch Schneiderlin this afternoon and see why he's essential to us next season. We have to get him in
He having a very good game against a very tough midfield away to Chelsea. A Schneiderlin and Coqs partnership would give us a lot more stability and strength in the middle of the park. It would also give Ozil free rein to attack and not worry too much about defensive duties.
Another big game, and another good game by Coq, so he's doing what he needs to do, the Chelsea game in 3 weeks is going to massive and we will learn more about him.
Yes i have been a big fan of him since he came into the side and I am not sure there is any defensive midfielder as good as him at the moment. If he continues this form then he can not be dropped for anyone.
Absolutely outstanding again. He's proof thsy if you work hard enough and keep your head down, your time will come. Other players should take note.
