William Gallas feels that Declan Rice in particular may use a different type of midfielder next to him because he feels that Arsenal are lacking some “nastiness” in the middle of the pitch.
The Gunners have had a bad run of play lately; they have only won once in their previous seven games across all competitions, and they have dropped their last three straight games.
Despite being first on Christmas Day, they are now five points off the top spot in the Premier League and were eliminated from the FA Cup by Liverpool.
Gallas believes that the composition of Arsenal’s midfield, especially in light of Granit Xhaka’s departure, has played a major role in the team’s recent difficulties.
The 31-year-old Swiss international left North London for Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, and Gallas feels his former team has missed his qualities and presence. Rice, in particular, would have profited from playing with the 31-year-old.
“You require a midfield player with some nasty instincts,” ex-Arsenal captain Gallas stated to Gambling Zone.
That player was Xhaka. He would make tackles, play harsh football, and send a message to opponents that Arsenal is a team not to be trifled with.
They don’t seem to have that player.
Rice is a skilled athlete. Although he’s performed admirably at Arsenal, they need a player who can perform that role next to him.
But because Arteta worked with Pep Guardiola as an assistant coach at [Manchester] City, everything Guardiola has done with City is also what Arteta is doing with Arsenal.
That kind of player hasn’t been on a City team led by Pep. Xhaka was a skilled football player, but he could also be brutal at times.
Additionally, Gallas recommended his former team to hold off on pursuing Ivan Toney, especially since Brentford, who is currently struggling, is prepared to demand an enormous price tag of up to £100 million.
“How much would Arsenal or Chelsea pay for him?” he asked. There are thick clubs. They will spend £100 million for Toney because they are unaware that there is too much money in football.
This implies that the athlete must compete internationally. He is rarely an England player. How are you going to justify his £100 million price to me?
“A player must be young to be purchased for £100 million.” It’s excessive to spend £100 million for a 27-year-old. Spending £100 million on an international talent or a young youngster that a team can develop into a long-term investment is the option.