Not everyone is versatile. Odegaard never plays anywhere else, neither does Partey, Gabriel, Saliba, or Raya
Wide players tend to be a bit more versatile anyway, and Arteta is part of a generation of coaches that see the full back role differently. We have different types of full back on each side. I see it as a positive.
I guess the real question is about the forward line though. And if I had all the answers to that, with respect, I wouldn't be sitting here talking to you lot![]()
We have MLS, Cala, Zinny, KT, JT and Tomi as LBs. But no fit strikers. Do we really need 6 LBs?
I know that now we have Gabby M back, we could play one of him and Leo on the left wing and the other through the middle. But maybe Cala at CF, MnM at inside left and Dec as DM would be worth a punt. Both Cala and MnM would win aerial duels and could get on the end of crosses from Ethan {or Odin or JT.}
KT could play LW if need be, and MLS could play inside left. JT and Tomi can play anywhere across the back 4. But if we're gonna have these versatile players and shedloads of LBs, we should have at least one LB who could play CF.
A left back who can play centre forward is a pretty big ask
And of course, we didn't plan on having 6 left backs. Tierney would have gone if he hadn't been injured and I dont think we were banking on MLS making as many appearances as he has. And both Timber and Tomiyasu are also right backs, predominantly so in Tomiyasu's case.
By the way, you left out Kiwior, so it is technically 7 left backs![]()
God, you're right. Yakob. It's a pity for his career that he hasn't gone back to Italy cos apparently he was a rather good LCH. But given all the LBs we have, if Big Gabby was injured, it would be Cala who would cover for him.
So many FBs and no fit strikers. Gutted it didn't work out for Raheem. Taking a massive pay cut to join us. Yet all he's done is made an assist for Ethan's first EPL goal. His first goal for us will be the winner in the CL final - you heard it here first.