England defender Phil Jones in midfield – Who could do this for Arsenal?
The holding midfield role at Arsenal is one performed admirably by Alex Song each week, with Emmanuel Frimpong and Francis Coquelin ready to play there too. The aforementioned reserve duo – the latter in particular – may be growing frustrated at the lack of first team action and at least one of the two could move elsewhere on loan in January. It could therefore be an excellent attribute to have players that can play in that position if needed.
In what was deemed an odd tactical decision, England manager Fabio Capello chose to play Manchester United central defender Phil Jones in central midfield in the victory over Spain and the move worked to impressive effect. Which Arsenal defender could change roles like Jones?
Johan Djourou started his career in the holding midfield role, and was only transferred into his now habitual centre-back position upon his arrival at Arsenal. The Swiss international himself admitted that “midfield is a position I love” and with a history of playing in that position, it could be a feasible option, although it is debateable as to whether he is composed enough on the ball to deal with the lack of space in the centre of the park.
Having secured his spot in the centre of the defence, Laurent Koscielny will certainly not be moved out into the midfield at any stage but his coolness on the ball is undoubtedly of similar aptitude to pure midfielders, a skill that he has demonstrated so well – even against European champions Barcelona.
Another player who isn’t afraid to have possession is Thomas Vermaelen. His attacking mind-set and ability to strike from range are the kind of traits perfect for that central role of midfield, and his muscle would still allow him to do battle against the opponents at either end throughout the game.
Phil Jones’ performances against both Spain and Sweden proved that he is capable of adding a possible position to his profile, the former Blackburn man within inches of scoring against the Scandinavians whilst also providing more-than-adequate help to the backline.
Would it not be a reasonable option to have an attack-minded defender who can play in a midfield role? Who would be the best to perform in this position if needed to?
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Are you sure Phil Jones played in the midfield against Spain or he was just straying out of position?
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@twig. yes, he did played cdm. i watch the match myself. i was confused at first. then i start counting defenders. and then i realize that jones playing a cdm role.
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song, diaby, djorou n kocsielny can play in multiple positons including CB, RB n DM n i heard something like coquelin being able 2 play RB, DM n CB as well but if worst comes 2 worst (which it usually does 4 us) n arsene does not buy a frimpong replacement in january n song get’s injured then playing kosielny in DM with mert partnering verma at the back is a good iddea or if diaby ever comes back n does wat we pay him 4 he can play DM as well either way as long as we don’t have our usual February injury plague we should be okay 4 now.
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vermaelen, no doubt
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i personally think that vermaelen might be a good cdm.. he can score a few goals too.. just my opinion tho..
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Repeatedly in my comments overtime in Arsenal news Ihave always requested for DJOUROU OR KOSCIENLY to step into the defensive midfield for Arsenal whenever Alexander Song is indisposed.Both the defensive midfield and the central defense are interchangeable positios.Song himself started his EPL games in the central defense
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Phil Jones has said himself he’s a midfielder, it’s only the last year and a half he’s been moved to the back. Vermaelen would slot effortlessly into that position, but I think he’d even put in a solid performance on the wing if he was asked to.
Frimpong and Coquelin both look like they could become great players, and as Coquelin is now 20 he needs more match time, which would probably make him favourite to be loaned out. But come the African cup of nations both Song and Frimpong will be out of contention for the first team spot, so we’ll need Coquelin.
I’m looking forward to January, it should be an interesting month.
Arsenal Till I Die
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@Gooner Luke
Cameroon didn’t qualify so fortunately 4 us we keep song the bull……..yay
GOONER 4 LIFE
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Koncielny can play there and he has done it before.
This is why Vertoghen would be a great buy because Koncielny could also be used as back up for Song.
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vermaelen n vertonghen both cn play there..jose mourinho n real madrid using these tactics to beat barca in the final of copa del rey..england use this to beat spain..so therefore even the best team in europe hv its own weakneses..miss jackwilshere..cnt wait to see ol of them fit n play tgther against the top team with the best form..
szc
sagna-kos-tv5-santos
song-arteta
walcott-wilshere-gervinho
rvp
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Alex Song has been doing it for years, you only have to watch him play to see he is a defender playing in midfield. A bit like watching Coquelin, Santos and Gibbs, play in defence when they are clearly not defenders. The big difference with Song is he is so laid back that playing in Arsenals midfield suits him better than playing in our high line defence. The real test for Song will be when he moves on, cos he will struggle in other teams midfields and they will not be signing him as a defender.
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If needed, i think TV5 is the suited for the role of a holding mid. He’s very good on the ball, plus he can pick out long range passes and take powerful shots from outside the box. He’s my pick
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Djourou might play in defensive midfield. He used to play there before Wenger converted him to central defence – where he has become a liability.
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I feel Jenkinson will be the next big star to emerge from this squad. He has immense room for improvement but as far as raw talent he’s definately got it. I f you really watch this kid play he works hard and runs nonstop for 90 minutes. His ball control still has much to be desired but for a 19 year old with barely any league one experience I can’t think of any other player that has moved up in clas so quickly.
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first gt rid off almunia,squid,denilson,bendtner,chamakh..n some f wna go out r loan..fabianski,arshavin,djourou,rosicky..this four cud stil hv a chance this year for wenger..mostly rosicky n arshavin cud b the last chance n their last yr..djourou i dnt knw i wud gt rid of em too..fabianski f wna go jst go r loan out..settle this first..
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TV5 should play in def mid…with supporting song ,with formation of 4-2-3-1 , which helps santos and sagna move forward , and recent assists from song looks like a class play maker too…it gives chances of rotation in pitch and off too…
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the only player in the arsenal defense line who i feel could play in the mieldfield id Thomas Vermalen
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Mascherano in January???
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Red DB 10 took the words right out of my mouth. Vertonghen would be the best cover for 2-3 positions at Arsenal. He is almost the exact dame player as TV5, big left foot, physical in his tactics and can play anywhere. Vert should be a priority buy in Jan or the summer. With the personel we have though, I believe if song goes down after jack gets back, we will see jack, arteta an ram filtering in and out of the holding and attacking mid roles. I think coquelin should get his runs at DM before we slot a defender there in case of injury
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I think Tomas Vamaelen will provide that. He is just an excellent footballer. Very strong in d defence and aswell attack-minded, nt 2talk of his level of confidence while in possession of d ball and his good passes. Infact, as for me he can play anywhere on d pitch.
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Why not Jenkinson?I mean he is really good in crossing the ball so may be he could play RM(Right Midfield).And also he is not afraid of taking on the best teams (like he did against Manchester United (even though he got a red card) Which is also a problem(anger issues and clumsy tackles) that must be sorted out other wise he could really be a good Midfield player.Jenkinson has the muscle and attacking minded like Thomas Vermaelen So why not?
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SEBASTIAN SCHILACHI CAN PLAY DEFENSIVE MIDFIELD.
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against spain phil jones was running round like a headless chicken
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dont you have something to write ? phil jones playing there so what ? does this have any effect on arsenal ? hell no !!!
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Djourou. He played in a midfield role before being forced into CB/RB at the gunners. His CB work is okay but needs work, and he is enthusiatic to go forward. id feel a bit better peace of mind with him at DM, knowing he had two Centre Backs if he messed up!
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