Player Ratings 2013/14 - Part Three: Central Midfielders
Our squad is packed with midfield talent, but despite this, it’s long been levelled at us that we have a lack of variation in midfield. A lot of technical players, but a lack of strength and power that teams like City and Chelsea have. We don’t really have the sort of enforcer type player that some of the top European sides have and although this isn’t essential for success, our midfield did look a little pedestrian and lightweight at times this year.
Mikel ARTETA (MC) - 8
32 years old - 38+5 apps / 3 goals (2 PL / 1 FA Cup) / 0 assists
One of the more successful buys from the post 8-2 trolley dash, Arteta has been the cornerstone of our midfield for three seasons. He’s had to get used to being the deep lying member of the midfield ‘pivot’ that we employ and by and large, he’s been outstanding. Arteta doesn’t catch the eye like some of his teammates, but his passing and distribution is vital to our game, vital to us controlling possession and dictating the play. His style isn’t for everyone; Arteta is regularly derided at the Emirates for appearing to slow down the play and taking the sting out of the game. Sometimes this can be a valid argument but 90% of the time, Arteta makes us a better team. His passing is regularly up with the best in the league and he’s also one of the most reliable penalty takers in the league.
There are questions over how long Arteta can be a part of our midfield though. There seems to be a consensus that a specialist defensive midfielder such as Javi Martinez is needed, which would leave Arteta fighting it out with Ramsey and Wilshere for the more ‘box-to-box’ role. I would make him third choice for that role, especially with his advancing years and lack of pace. If he’s not the deep lying midfielder, you struggle to see where Arteta fits in. Undoubtedly Arteta is a fantastic player, but he might start to find his role in the squad diminishing and will probably move on sooner rather than later.
Season Rating - 7/10
Worst Moment - Everton 3-0 Arsenal (PL) - Arteta endured a chastening return to his former team as Arsenal were humiliated and he himself suffered the ignominy of scoring an own goal.
Best Moment - Arsenal 4-1 Everton (FA Cup) - A happy game against his former employers. Arteta was forced to retake a penalty after encroachment from Giroud and at a vital time in the game, he kept his nerve to score again and give us the lead.
World Cup? - Unfortunately Arteta remains uncapped for Spain and it looks likely to stay that way, meaning he had no chance of going to Brazil.
Will he stay? - I’m 90% sure he will stay. Beyond next season, his future is less certain, but I’m very sure he’ll be a Gunner for at least another year.