Arsenal: Shkodran Mustafi's Striking History Has Importance
Arsene Wenger is known for preferring versatile players at Arsenal, particularly those that are well-versed in different positions. Did that factor into Shkodran Mustafi’s move?
After Shkodran Mustafi’s hit-and-miss performance for against PSG, he faced a bit of backlash for his history as a striker. Such taunts as ‘no wonder he was horrid, he is a striker’ (although more creative than that) rang out across Arsenal’s social media world.
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His performance against Hull City was more of a step in the right direction, but there was one thing about his history as a striker that got me thinking. Maybe his history at striker could have been an added bonus to Wenger – a bonus that separated him from the pack, per say.
We know how much Wenger likes to load up on versatile players. For instance, Hector Bellerin used to be a winger and we reap the benefits of that transition every time he takes to the pitch. Bellerin has just as much viability with the ball as he does without it.
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Shkodran Mustafi could very well be another example of this preference for versatility. Assuming that he wasn’t a ‘desperation’ option, which I highly doubt he was, Mustafi’s history at striker is definitely a plus.
One help that Arsenal has needed for a while is on set pieces. The Gunners have had Giroud and Koscielny to aim for and that’s essentially been it. Mertesacker and Gabriel have aerial ability, but when it comes to putting the ball on goal, they have their struggles.
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Mustafi showed us in the Euros that aside from being a stalwart defender, he also has a keen ability to turn headed efforts towards goal.
Set pieces being a natural bugaboo of Arsenal, the match makes even more sense. It would give a more viable option on set pieces, meaning that Cazorla and Ozil can aim for three heads from corners and free kicks (assuming Olivier Giroud ever starts a damn game).
There have been worries that Mustafi is not tall enough, but this is hogwash. Again, to cite the Euros, Mustafi was an aerial fiend for Germany winning three headers per game. He has shown the same abilities for Arsenal, winning the exact same number of aerial duels in each of his two starts. It’s only a matter of time before that first set piece goal breaks the ice (and proves me right!).
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Mustafi definitely has two facets that he can serve for Arsenal, both defensively and from set pieces. So there’s that to look forward to.