FOR the last few years Arsene Wenger has had his mind set on playing a 4-2-3-1 formation with two holding midfielders.
The club have had some impressive names in the middle of the park over the years, Patrick Vieira and Gilberto Silva just to name a few.
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However, in the Premier League and Champions League this season, the Gunners haven’t been consistent in choosing which two players they want to steady the ship in central midfield.
They need that added steel at times, particularly in matches such as this week’s defeat to Everton when they were overawed by the Toffees in the second half.
With Santi Cazorla being ruled out for three months earlier in December, that’s one less player Wenger has to think about, but who does he choose?
Aaron Ramsey
After his outstanding contribution to Wales’ Euro campaign, Ramsey has been somewhat overlooked by Wenger in the early stages of this season.
Despite his injury layoff, the 25 year-old hasn’t been able to nail down a first team place ahead of Francis Coquelin, Granit Xhaka and Mohamed Elneny.
With most of his appearances this season being on the wing, the Welshman needs to make sure he takes his chance once it comes his way.
With rumours linking the former Cardiff City midfielder with Real Madrid, Wenger will also want to keep him happy in North London.
Granit Xhaka
Signed from Borussia Mönchengladbach in the summer, Xhaka looked to have solved Arsenal’s midfield problems.
Despite his brilliant goal he scored against Hull City, the 24 year-old found himself on the bench and fans started to question Wenger’s tactics.
However, his recent performance alongside Ramsey in the 4-1 win against Basel in the Champions League helped his side finish top of their group.
He also started in the centre in Arsenal’s brilliant 5-1 win against West Ham, which must put the former Basel midfielder close to the top of the pecking order.
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Francis Coquelin
Coming through Arsenal’s academy, the 25 year-old has been one of the more consistent names on the team sheet every week.
Being more of a defensive midfielder, Coquelin compliments his midfield partner with his work rate and defensive mind.
After a very short loan spell with Charlton, the Frenchman’s Gunners career looked all but over – however he was re-called by Wenger due to first team injury concerns.
The 67 year-old soon realised what a special talent he was, and has seen him as a senior member of the squad ever since.
Mohamed Elneny
Elneny is another option that the Gunners have available to them. Seen as a “box-to-box” midfielder, the 24-year-old hasn’t had much of a look in.
Costing just £5 million, the Egypt international has made just 20 appearances since his arrival and is seen as back up by Wenger.
He has however, impressed during his time in North London, receiving back to back Player of the Month awards in March and April last season.
Having only arrived in the January of 2016, Elneny still has a lot of potential to fulfil.
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