By James Whiffing
Whilst most of Arsenal’s best XI is relatively easy to pick, the ‘left 8’ position has caused much debate regarding who should play there. The Gunners have plenty of options here, with the likes of Fabio Vieira, Emile Smith Rowe, Leandro Trossard and new signing Kai Havertz all being talked about amongst fans and pundits as options for this role.
In this piece, I will be breaking down each of those players’ strengths and weaknesses and examine how they can affect the rest of the team playing in the 'left 8.'
Fabio Vieira
After much criticism throughout his first season at the club, Vieira has seemed to have come on leaps and bounds this season, playing a crucial role in the Premier League off the bench. The Portuguese already has two assists to his name, against Fulham and Manchester United, in just 148 total minutes. Though his limited minutes skew his statistical profile, the Portuguese international is showing us a glimpse of how devastating he can be with his final actions.
He is in the 99th percentile for shots, assists, xAG (expected goals assisted) and npxG + xAG , which highlights his efficiency going forward and the quality of his output. He also is in the 98th percentile for progressive passes received, which demonstrates his growing ability to consistently find pockets of space in advanced areas, a key skill in effective link-up play.
Vieira’s weakness, however, is the defensive side of his game. The 23-year-old ranks near the bottom percentiles for defensive actions such as tackles and interceptions, whilst also ranking low for aerial duels too.
Whilst he is solid in ground duels, winning seven of ten in all comps so far this season, there are concerns about his slight frame, given the physical nature of the Premier League. Though he is an attack-minded midfielder by trade, rather than a ball-winner, such defensive figures might raise eyebrows when talking about a No. 8, where chance-creation has traditionally married with defensive output.
Despite not being our best midfielder defensively, Vieira more than makes up for it going forward. His ability to pick a final ball is especially crucial to Arsenal's attacking output. For me, he has earned a large share of minutes this season, though I think he is better served in matches where Arsenal are likely to dominate possession, rather than more open contests where increased defensive output would be required.
Emile Smith Rowe
A fan favourite, Emile Smith Rowe won the hearts of Arsenal supporters after his blistering breakout season in 21/22, where he scored 10 goals and assisted two more. However, due to an extended run of injuries and poor fitness, the Englishman has not seen much action on the pitch, although he earned his first minutes of the season in Wednesday's emphatic UCL victory over PSV Eindhoven, where he played at the 'left 8.'
Due to his lack of game time last season and this season, there isn’t much point delving into his stats per 90. However, there is merit in discussing the qualities we know Smith Rowe possesses to determine his effectiveness in the 'left 8'.
Our number 10 possesses exquisite decision-making, which in my opinion is his best asset. He tends to play with a level head, choosing the perfect moments to pierce the defence with a pass, go on a mazing run, or just play it simple and retain the ball. Additionally, his big frame enables him to be competitive in duels, and his two-footedness allows him to be unpredictable when driving with the ball, passing, and shooting. This unpredictability, when paired with his solid ball-striking, allows him to be a dynamic threat in and around the box.
Like Vieira, Smith Rowe’s weakness is the defensive side of his game. Whilst he is more physically adept than the Portuguese, he still lacks in his skills and workrate out of possession. He also can't yet match Vieira's output in the final third. We mustn’t forget ESR’s talent and what he can do, and it will be important for us to get him back to full fitness again, but for now, he is behind Vieira in the pecking order.
Leandro Trossard
Ever since his arrival from Brighton, Leandro Trossard has been nothing short of exceptional under Mikel Arteta, adding a constant goal threat through his shooting and passing. He is also positionally flexible, having played at centre-forward, left wing, and at the 'left 8'.
While Gabriel Martinelli is injured, Trossard will have to fill in at left wing, being favoured to Reiss Nelson there. However, the Belgian played 'left 8' for the majority of pre-season and impressed there. Going forward, we all know what the 28-year-old is capable of by now, with his brilliant ball-striking and accurate passing; he is tailor-made to play in an advanced midfield role. He ranks in the 99th percentile for assists per 90 and ranks in the 95th percentile for xAG, showcasing his output and efficiency in the final third. The Belgian is exceptional in tight spaces, and may be the most two-footed player in Europe. He's been showing shades of Santi Cazorla.
As a winger, Trossard is naturally weaker in aerial duels, though he's shown excellent defensive work, and a keen sense for cutting passing lanes and blocking shots, skills likely accrued through versatile use. Though he is the least traditional central midfielder of the four options, he is among the most compelling.
For me, Trossard should have a very strong case to start in this position for Arsenal. His quality alone should be enough for him to force his way into the XI every week; he is simply too good to sit on the bench.
Kai Havertz
Since his move from Chelsea for £65 million, Kai Havertz has divided opinion amongst the Arsenal fanbase. The German has been deployed the most out of anyone in the left 8 role, having been deemed as not only Granit Xhaka’s replacement, but an upgrade on the Swiss international.
Havertz is a strange player; he is actually quite good off the ball, but lacks decisiveness and urgency on the ball at times. He ranks in the 94th percentile for non-penalty xG, meaning that he is getting into the right positions to score goals and have shots. Unfortunately, he also ranks in the 48th and 80th percentile for xAG and npxG + xAG respectively, suggesting that his output in the final third is not on the level of Vieira or Trossard’s.
His main asset, for me, is his frame. The German is 6’3 and is very good at winning aerial duels and advancing the ball, ranking in the 99th percentile. This skill makes him a target for long balls in the build-up; he provides a different dynamic to Arsenal's buildup. This tactic is similar to Erling Haaland's role against Arsenal at the Etihad last season, when he dismantled our pressing scheme by holding the ball up and distributing to Kevin De Bruyne
Off the ball, Havertz offers us defensive stability that the other three lack. As previously mentioned, he ranks in the 99th percentile for aerials won and 96th for clearances, showing that he is not afraid to get back and help the team. The 24-year-old also commits a lot of fouls in games, which can help to break up the play and relieve pressure.
Though Havertz has the acumen to enjoy a starting berth at the left 8, he plays at a different pace and with a different style to the rest of his Arsenal teammates. It is clear why Arteta has faith in him, but just as clear that it will take time for him to adjust to life in red and white.
I think any of these mentioned players can do a good job in the left 8 role, and they can all work in different scenarios and against different opposition. Arteta now has unbelievable depth at his disposal, which is a huge boost for our title-winning and UCL aspirations. Our entire squad will have to chip in if we are to achieve such lofty heights.
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