EDDIE NKETIAH has become a hot topic of conversation among Arsenal fans this month.
First and foremost, the England Under-21 striker has been linked with a move to West Ham and Wolves during the current window.
Nketiah is a favourite of Arteta, but the young striker’s skillset doesn’t match up with the boss’ tacticsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Nketiah doesn’t fit into Arteta’s current system and needs to be backed completely or soldCredit: PA:Press Association
But Nketiah, 21, has also been blamed for Folarin Balogun’s refusal to sign a new deal at the Emirates.
Many supporters believe the American whiz has a higher ceiling than Nketiah, with the English star blocking Balogun’s route into the first-team.
However, Mikel Arteta is the man making the decisions – and he sees both forwards in training every day.
Whether it’s a question of work-rate, attitude or simply skill, ultimately, the boss knows best.
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Regardless, fans turning on Nketiah is unfair.
After all, until last month, the youngster was Arsenal’s top scorer and proved he will give everything for the shirt every moment he’s on the pitch.
For me, Nketiah’s future at the club hinges less on ability and more on his ability – or perhaps inability – to play in Arteta’s system.
His finishing ability is not up for debate – he boasts a natural poacher’s instinct and skill to find space in the box and get himself in the right position.
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In the 1990s, the likes of Andy Cole and Robbie Fowler offered little threat from outside the box but came alive in the penalty area.
However, during that era, most clubs played a 4-4-2, with two centre forwards offering threat.
Today, the majority of teams play a front-three, with just one central striker – with Arsenal no exception, currently running a 4-2-3-1 formation more often than not.
And, unfortunately for Nketiah, that system doesn’t play to his individual strengths, leading to many fans criticising him.
Even the great Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has struggled in a lone, central role under Arteta of late.
The skipper’s hold-up play and ability to bring others into the game leaves much to be desired compared to the likes of Harry Kane and Roberto Firmino.
Nketiah’s conundrum reminds me a lot of Eduardo either side of his horrific, career-hampering injury.
The Croatian goal-machine came alive in a 4-4-2 alongside Robin van Persie or Emmanuel Adebayor prior to his injury.
Folarin Balogun could quit Arsenal despite boasting a skillset more in keeping with Arteta’s tactical styleCredit: Getty Images – Getty
But on his comeback, Arsene Wenger had implemented a 4-2-3-1, with RVP his main man through the middle.
Eduardo was asked to play out wide, with Arsenal immediately losing his predatory instincts in the box.
Nketiah has ice in his veins and is a natural finisher, but he is slight of frame and not the quickest.
His lack of strength hinders Arsenal’s hold-up play, crucial in to team success in a 4-2-3-1, through the middle, while his lack of pace makes him less suitable out wide.
Meanwhile, Balogun has pace and strength in spadefuls, which is why so many Arsenal fans relish the prospect of him breaking into the first-team on a regular basis.
Nketiah needs a central strike partner or two genuine, natural wingers in a 4-3-3 to thrive – not Arteta’s current mishmash of strikers on the wing.
Arteta has given up on 4-3-3 and has never hinted at playing two central strikers, leaving Nketiah at a crossroads in his career.
So should Arsenal receive a decent offer from a club this transfer window they could be tempted to let him walk.
It’s either that or build the team around Nketiah and give him the help he needs… but does Arteta rate him that highly?
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
