Arteta has a dream problem at fullback

Every football manager dreams of having this problem. The problem, deciding who makes the starting XI because he has such solid depth..

Mikel Arteta is having that dream. The Arsenal boss is so loaded at fullback that this dream could become a nightmare. His challenge, how do you keep international-caliber players engaged and happy while warming the bench? Such is Arteta’s current dilemma at fullback.

Alex Zinchenko was brought in from Manchester City over the summer and immediately made an impact at left back. With Kieran Tierney coming off a serious injury, it just made sense to put the Ukrainian in that starting role, and he succeeded. Zinchenko has 5 Arsenal starts so far this season, while the Scotsman has 4.

On the other side of the pitch, Ben White was moved out to cover the right fullback position in the absence of Takehiro Tomiyasu, who was also coming off a serious injury. White has done such a sterling job in his 9 starts that Tomi has seen the pitch as a starter once (v FC Zurich), and again in limited substitution roles.

With the emergence of William Saliba as Gabriel’s new center back partner, Arteta needs to keep White on the field. His ability to play the right fullback position has never been in question, and, in my opinion, Ben is currently one of the most underrated fullbacks in the Premier League.

This leaves Tomiyasu as a role player. In a recent interview, the Japanese international claimed he will continue to fight hard to earn back his starting role. That’s the kind of spirit a manager wants to hear. Competition breeds success.

Regarding Kieran Tierney, the young player, once hailed as Arsenal’s next captain has dealt with multiple injuries preventing him from living up to his potential, at least for now. His situation is similar to the one Jack Wilshere had to deal with throughout his career. I believe Arteta is monitoring Tierney’s playing time in order to keep him healthy, and available, for the entire season. I truly think KT is a better left fullback than Zinchenko, but not by much.

And, of course, there is Cedric Soares. The Portuguese, who just returned to full training following a minor injury, adds even more depth to the fullback position. Unfortunately for Soares, his role has been greatly diminished this season.

It’s a very long campaign, and I expect all of these players will get their share of playing time. In the months ahead you never know who will be injured, suspended or hits a bad streak. It’s best if all five fullbacks continue to train hard, and play to their potential when sent onto the pitch.

Cheers.

Gunner1953