My rankings for players at the half way stage of the season. My star players in RED.
Raya 9/10
He's been excellent all year. He genuinely earns his clean sheets and is not just sitting behind a great defence. He is very much a key part of it. It seems like he is pulling off world class saves every single game and his play out from the back has improved a lot. It's always risky, but I think he gets caught far less than other goal keepers doing it.
Kepa 6/10
Not much to say other than he’s done pretty well in his cameos.
Timber 8/10
Such a reliable player. Has skills to beat players and cause danger in the final 3rd, whilst doing his main job very well. Bites into tackles and covers ground/recovers really well.
Saliba 9/10
This season he's back to what I consider his best - and maybe improved. He's reading the game better now IMO and is even less likely to be caught out. As always, calm under pressure.
Gabriel 9/10
A beast on set plays attacking wise and as aggressive as ever in defence. He's become the leader in that defensive unit and is one of very few players that we really can't afford to be doing without for long stretches. Without the time off due to injury it’s close a 10/10.
Califiori 8/10
I think he's stepped up this year and is getting more used to the PL. Whether it's FB or CB he looks strong, calm and executes well. His running with the ball and his passing is under rated. Also works very hard and recovers situations well.
Miles Lewis Skelley 6/10
Taken a bit of a backwards step IMO. Defensively he's caught out too often and I do not think he's very difficult to beat 1 on 1. He's also prone to getting caught in possession by holding the ball too long (over reliance on his strength). Still think his future is in midfield (though not sure it's at Arsenal)
White 7/10
I would love to give him a higher score, but can't given the game time. He's class linking top with Saka and over lapping, gives 100% and is also strong defensively - BUT, not as strong on the defensive side as Timber. I think Ben is OK 1v1 but I do see wingers getting past him.
Hincapie 7/10
IMO he's done an excellent job covering injuries both at FB and CB. He's been aggressive and can also support in attack. He's sometimes caught out of position and I also think he's got some work to do in terms of anticipating and cutting out crosses.
Mosquera - 7/10
I'd be giving him an 8, but for the injury and the time he's actually played. From what I have seen, I think he has the potential to be as good as Gabriel and Saliba. Very pleased with the signing and his performances so far, but hope his injury is a one off.
Saka 7/10
Not really close to his best, but still always poses a threat. He’s one of the few players that can make a major difference from nowhere. He needs to get back to the level he’s had in terms of shooting. Right now, his shots are a bit wayward and his finishing generally needs to be better
Rice 8/10
A bit of a slower start to the season, but got much better as the season has progressed. Stamina and power in midfield is Vieira like. I think he should be scoring more goals if he is to operate from the 8 position. On song, though, he’s one of the best midfielders around.
Odegaard 6/10
A frustrating season - injury and play that is too negative. Thats said, the last 2 games have been more like a 9/10. If he can continue in that vain of pressing out of possession and more decisive passing and decision making, he could still have a great season. Another that needs to improve his shooting. Like Saka, he is skying too many efforts.
Zubimendi 7/10
I would characterise his season so far as way too safe. He’s been ok - and had some bright moments (especially the second half vs Villa) but we look more open in midfield with him at the 6. I’d like to see more from him in terms of aggressive play and also passing between the lines.
Merino 6/10
He doesn’t look as good in midfield as he did as a false 9. He has shown he lacks pace and at PL level that is a real problem. Often late to positions to cover in midfield. He does have great technique and has popped up with some super through balls and is a threat in the box.
Norgaard 6/10
Not much to go on , but whenever he has played he has not let us down. In fact, he’s looked good.
Nwaneri 5/10
Not getting many chances, but to be honest when he does get a chance, he’s not really taking it. To succeed here, like Eze, he is going to got have to be better out of possession and better at retaining the ball.
Eze 7/10
I am giving him a 7 here because of attacking play in some key games moments. A hat trick vs Spurs is legendary stuff. However. He really needs to be better at retaining possession under pressure, passing the ball earlier instead of hanging on to it and working harder out of possession.
Martinelli 8/10
Love this player - he’s done the business when called upon and remains one of our players who is truly unstoppable when on song. The thing I love most though is his attitude. It’s spot on. No complaining, just relentless effort and providing danger when called on.
Trossard 9/10
He’s been fantastic IMO. He’s ALWAYS a danger whether he starts or comes on. Again - the attitude is as good as it gets and that’s a credit to him (especially as he has a history with Brighton of complaining if not starting). But right now, his new contract looks like a major plus that might well be pivotal this year. Might be our POTS.
Jesus 6/10
Can only score 6 because he’s not played much, but flickering signs that if he can stay fit he may be a major force in the second half of the season.
Madueke 7/10
Might be a bit generous, but he’s had some big moments. He’s looked a danger at times, but he needs to improve his end product. Another that needs to learn that for Arsenal playing out of possession and helping the team is a must.
Gyokeres 6/10
Struggling to adapt to a tougher league. It’s been an OK season so far. He’s scored 7 goals, but is yet to really stand out as a top striker. Movement in the box needs to improve and he needs to understand, that in the PL , he’s not going to get free kicks for contact and must stay on his feet and fight more for the ball. Not worried too much about the below par finishing - that often happens with players under pressure. The good thing is that if he finds his feet in the second half of the season, it’s going to be a big boost.
Dowman 6/10
Not really enough game time, but superb cameos for one so young
Havertz N/A
Can’t wait to see him back - cold make a major impact in the second half of the season if he can pick up where he left off.
Raya 9/10
He's been excellent all year. He genuinely earns his clean sheets and is not just sitting behind a great defence. He is very much a key part of it. It seems like he is pulling off world class saves every single game and his play out from the back has improved a lot. It's always risky, but I think he gets caught far less than other goal keepers doing it.
Kepa 6/10
Not much to say other than he’s done pretty well in his cameos.
Timber 8/10
Such a reliable player. Has skills to beat players and cause danger in the final 3rd, whilst doing his main job very well. Bites into tackles and covers ground/recovers really well.
Saliba 9/10
This season he's back to what I consider his best - and maybe improved. He's reading the game better now IMO and is even less likely to be caught out. As always, calm under pressure.
Gabriel 9/10
A beast on set plays attacking wise and as aggressive as ever in defence. He's become the leader in that defensive unit and is one of very few players that we really can't afford to be doing without for long stretches. Without the time off due to injury it’s close a 10/10.
Califiori 8/10
I think he's stepped up this year and is getting more used to the PL. Whether it's FB or CB he looks strong, calm and executes well. His running with the ball and his passing is under rated. Also works very hard and recovers situations well.
Miles Lewis Skelley 6/10
Taken a bit of a backwards step IMO. Defensively he's caught out too often and I do not think he's very difficult to beat 1 on 1. He's also prone to getting caught in possession by holding the ball too long (over reliance on his strength). Still think his future is in midfield (though not sure it's at Arsenal)
White 7/10
I would love to give him a higher score, but can't given the game time. He's class linking top with Saka and over lapping, gives 100% and is also strong defensively - BUT, not as strong on the defensive side as Timber. I think Ben is OK 1v1 but I do see wingers getting past him.
Hincapie 7/10
IMO he's done an excellent job covering injuries both at FB and CB. He's been aggressive and can also support in attack. He's sometimes caught out of position and I also think he's got some work to do in terms of anticipating and cutting out crosses.
Mosquera - 7/10
I'd be giving him an 8, but for the injury and the time he's actually played. From what I have seen, I think he has the potential to be as good as Gabriel and Saliba. Very pleased with the signing and his performances so far, but hope his injury is a one off.
Saka 7/10
Not really close to his best, but still always poses a threat. He’s one of the few players that can make a major difference from nowhere. He needs to get back to the level he’s had in terms of shooting. Right now, his shots are a bit wayward and his finishing generally needs to be better
Rice 8/10
A bit of a slower start to the season, but got much better as the season has progressed. Stamina and power in midfield is Vieira like. I think he should be scoring more goals if he is to operate from the 8 position. On song, though, he’s one of the best midfielders around.
Odegaard 6/10
A frustrating season - injury and play that is too negative. Thats said, the last 2 games have been more like a 9/10. If he can continue in that vain of pressing out of possession and more decisive passing and decision making, he could still have a great season. Another that needs to improve his shooting. Like Saka, he is skying too many efforts.
Zubimendi 7/10
I would characterise his season so far as way too safe. He’s been ok - and had some bright moments (especially the second half vs Villa) but we look more open in midfield with him at the 6. I’d like to see more from him in terms of aggressive play and also passing between the lines.
Merino 6/10
He doesn’t look as good in midfield as he did as a false 9. He has shown he lacks pace and at PL level that is a real problem. Often late to positions to cover in midfield. He does have great technique and has popped up with some super through balls and is a threat in the box.
Norgaard 6/10
Not much to go on , but whenever he has played he has not let us down. In fact, he’s looked good.
Nwaneri 5/10
Not getting many chances, but to be honest when he does get a chance, he’s not really taking it. To succeed here, like Eze, he is going to got have to be better out of possession and better at retaining the ball.
Eze 7/10
I am giving him a 7 here because of attacking play in some key games moments. A hat trick vs Spurs is legendary stuff. However. He really needs to be better at retaining possession under pressure, passing the ball earlier instead of hanging on to it and working harder out of possession.
Martinelli 8/10
Love this player - he’s done the business when called upon and remains one of our players who is truly unstoppable when on song. The thing I love most though is his attitude. It’s spot on. No complaining, just relentless effort and providing danger when called on.
Trossard 9/10
He’s been fantastic IMO. He’s ALWAYS a danger whether he starts or comes on. Again - the attitude is as good as it gets and that’s a credit to him (especially as he has a history with Brighton of complaining if not starting). But right now, his new contract looks like a major plus that might well be pivotal this year. Might be our POTS.
Jesus 6/10
Can only score 6 because he’s not played much, but flickering signs that if he can stay fit he may be a major force in the second half of the season.
Madueke 7/10
Might be a bit generous, but he’s had some big moments. He’s looked a danger at times, but he needs to improve his end product. Another that needs to learn that for Arsenal playing out of possession and helping the team is a must.
Gyokeres 6/10
Struggling to adapt to a tougher league. It’s been an OK season so far. He’s scored 7 goals, but is yet to really stand out as a top striker. Movement in the box needs to improve and he needs to understand, that in the PL , he’s not going to get free kicks for contact and must stay on his feet and fight more for the ball. Not worried too much about the below par finishing - that often happens with players under pressure. The good thing is that if he finds his feet in the second half of the season, it’s going to be a big boost.
Dowman 6/10
Not really enough game time, but superb cameos for one so young
Havertz N/A
Can’t wait to see him back - cold make a major impact in the second half of the season if he can pick up where he left off.
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