Energy, creativity, goal threat and commitment. These are the traits that are expected of a winger in the new Mikel Arteta Arsenal.
It is not enough to simply be a threat in the offensive third, Mikel Arteta is adamant that he has a team that will work and fight for a victory. The expectations of the coach are growing in familiarity, and it has been clear from his signings that his desires must be met to see Arsenal formalise their interest.
The name of Edon Zhegrova will not be one known by many supporters, and this can often lead to an unsurprising but often hyperbolic and negative reaction. The report that detailed the Gunners had made an offer for Zhegrova was broken by Arlind Sadiku, a Kosovo-based journalist with established ties to the player and his entourage, who reported his move from Basel to Lille earlier this year.
READ MORE: Marco Asensio to Arsenal: The right move by Mikel Arteta or a panic buy after missing Raphinha?
There is the obvious and understandable reaction that switching from a Premier League established and Brazilian international in Raphinha to a player who has played just 13 times in one of Europe’s top five elite leagues is underwhelming. However, considering the wide role amongst the needs at central midfield and in defence is somewhat of a third priority, perhaps making this more interpretable.
With all that said, it is, as always, worth doing some genuine research into the player before casting a broad uneducated judgement on a potential future Arsenal player. That is exactly what we have done, and I am pleased to report some encouraging signs that provide some understanding of Arsenal’s potential interest.
It is worth first talking about the characteristic of Zhegrova’s work rate and defensive commitment. This is a prerequisite of any Mikel Arteta player, and it is clear that the Kosovan has this in abundance. He averages more than 16 pressures per ninety minutes in Ligue 1 last season, more than Bukayo Saka. These were more successful than the England international’s too, with 36% of pressures leading to a turnover of possession within five seconds, compared to Saka’s 27%.
It doesn’t stop there. In terms of recoveries per 90, Zhegrova racked up 7.66, more than double that of Saka (3.22) Raphinha (3.13) and Marco Asensio (2.88). 60% of Zhegrova’s recoveries took place in the opposition half, a display of his determination to win the ball high up the field.
But a winger needs substance and looking at the raw goal and assist stats from his 13 Ligue 1 appearances which amounted to 396 minutes of play, it doesn’t shoot off the page. However, the promise was certainly there.
He averaged more than 4.0 crosses per 90, compared to Saka’s 2.11, as well as 5.1 passes into the box per 90 compared to Saka’s 1.94. A 60% accuracy rating to boot shows clearly what has started setting off the Arsenal recruitment alarms in the London Colney offices.
On the ball, he is one for the YouTube highlight reels but it is reflected in the numbers too. Bukayo Saka has become known for his ability on the ball and dribbling skills. Saka attempted 6.11 dribbles per 90 in 2021/22 for Arsenal and successfully completed 58% of them. Meanwhile, Zhegrova posted an impressive 10.72 dribbles per 90 succeeding with 60.3% of them.
The drawback for Zhegrova is the sample size. In one of Europe’s elite leagues, there is not enough evidence for these numbers to be anything more than offer a guide to the potential he has.
They do not clearly show he is better than Saka. What is does show is that if Arsenal have deemed central midfield and the defence as greater priorities than a wide player, Zhegrova is certainly a less pricey alternative who is not to be sniffed at whatsoever.
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