French midfielder Francis Coquelin: A late developer for Arsenal
By Joe Szwed
As Arsenal came off the pitch following their 2-0 away victory at current champions Manchester City their fans sang the names of Santi Cazorla, Olivier Giroud and, of course, the ever-present Alexis Sanchez. A new chorus also rang out from the away end at the Etihad and it was for 23-year-old French midfielder Francis Coquelin.
Spotted by Arsenal scouts whilst playing for the French under-17s. Arsene Wenger was encouraged by what he saw. He completed his move to the Gunners in 2008. For his first few years in England he spent his time in the reserves and made fleeting appearances in the League Cup, but never managed to become a first-team regular at the Emirates and before this current campaign Coquelin had only amassed 21 appearances in the Premier League.
This season, due to the inevitable injury list that perpetually plagues Arsenal, Coquelin has been able to profit from the absence of Mikel Arteta and Jack Wilshere, and the poor form of Mathieu Flamini, leaving the Gunners short in the middle of the park.
Arsenal’s history against the top four was lamentable before kick off on Sunday. Their fans need not be reminded of the dismal away form Wenger’s side have displayed, particularly last season. It's no secret that Arsenal have been linked with moves for various defensive midfielders across Europe.
Defensive midfield is a position that arguably has never been replaced since the days Gilberto Silva and Patrick Vieira. Wenger has always kept his cards close to his chest regarding potential targets but after Coquelin’s recent performances he maybe convinced not to spend any money and could even earn himself a new deal in North London.
Against Man City Coquelin won 100 percent of his tackles, made six interceptions, had a passing completion rate of 87 percent and won seven out of eight aerial battles. These figures against one of the best teams in England are certainly noteworthy. But it’s not just statistics that showed his ability in the Arsenal midfield.
Coquelin was instructed to mark City’s playmaker, David Silva, which is a task many would shirk the responsibility of. However, time and time again the young Frenchman remained disciplined and restricted Silva’s time and space. City never got going without his creativity.
After Cazorla had sent Arsenal in front, his teammates joined him to celebrate, but Coquelin focused on issuing instructions and demanding focus from them. It’s this type of maturity that has been absent recently in their performances, showing his mentality.
Arsenal’s dearth of fit midfielders and lack of movement in the transfer market has helped him obtain his chance.
Coquelin’s loan moves have seen him gain experience exposure to various styles of football at Lorient, Freiburg and most recently Charlton Athletic, which has aided his development. In fact Coquelin last played for Charlton in December in a hard fought draw at Nottingham Forest. It’s perhaps understandable to see how the Addicks have slumped in form since his departure.
Arsenal have struggled in this position for too long. Question marks remain whether Ramsey and Wilshere have the ability to shield the back four sufficiently. Flamini has his critics but was only intended as a stop gap and no one is sure if Abou Diaby will ever play for Arsenal again after his continual injury issues.
Before the clash on Sunday, Gunners legend Thierry Henry suggested that Arsenal should re-sign Alex Song currently on loan at West Ham. After the game Henry couldn’t deny Coquelin’s performance impressed him. Only time will tell if Coquelin can maintain these standards, but Arsenal may have found a solution to their midfield troubles internally.