The impressive performances of Edu’s Arsenal summer signings have turned the view on the Brazilian for a lot of the fan base. The issues of Willian, a long-forgotten nightmare and seeing how the likes of Sambi Lokonga and Nuno Tavares have surprised has been brilliant.
However, Japanese international Takehiro Tomiyasu has become an instant fan favourite for the Arsenal. His displays at right-back have elevated the flank from its stagnated position under an inconsistent selection of full-backs.
Hector Bellerin, Calum Chambers, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Cedric Soares all had their chances last season, and none shone. Prior to Tomiyasu’s arrival, Chambers and Cedric played their part in the opening league games and had a hand in the losses which followed.
With the success of Tomiyasu however has come the fear of losing the defender. Considering the step up in performances, the thought of the player befalling an injury is a big deal.
The 22-year-old missed 10 games for Bologna across 54 days due to three separate injuries last season. So far, he has experienced a clean bill of health but that could quickly change.
With the focus on transfers very much in the striker and midfield departments, Edu may need to be savvy with his business again for the depth of certain positions similar to the aforementioned acquisitions of Tavares and Lokonga.
Alternatively, Edu could look to sell the quartet of unused right-back options, all with a combined market value of £48.6 million according to Transfermarkt. Then, rather than using the acquired funds to bring in a replacement, direct the money elsewhere and promote from within.
Ryan Alebiosu has enjoyed an excellent campaign with Kevin Betsy’s under-23s squad.
The winger turned wing-back has flourished in the former England youth coach’s 3-5-2 and 3-4-3 systems.
Alebiosu currently has 1 goal and 4 assists in six PL2 games and an additional assist against the senior lower league oppositions during the EFL Trophy fixtures.
His displays and position do show a completely different style to the established Tomiyasu. The Japanese international has provided balance to the back four.
While he remains disciplined with his positioning, the left-back, be it Tavares or Kieran Tierney, operates far more offensively.
Alebiosu would play a much similar role to Tavares and Tierney and would require more from the defensive midfielders to provide cover. But were he to earn a promotion, the 19-year-old would give Mikel Arteta a different option.
He could also provide the ability to switch to a similar system used by Betsy. This could enable Tomiyasu and Alebiosu to play together with the former Bologna man slotting into a comfortable right centre-back role.
Alebiosu is still young and has much more to develop. With Zak Swanson and Brooke Norton-Cuffy also making waves in the academy, it appears Arsenal have plenty of options when it comes to the future of the position.
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