Pepe is a Portuguese international who is currently playing for Real Madrid – where he has been since 2007. The 32-year-old is very experienced, and has won the UEFA Champions League, La Liga and the Copa del Rey whilst at Los Blancos. During the last eight years at the Bernabeu, Pepe has built up defensive relationships with players like fellow countryman Ricardo Carvalho, and more importantly, Real club captain Sergio Ramos. Whilst his time at the club may have been mixed, his performances at Real Madrid in the last couple of years should justify his reputation as one of the best defenders in the world. He is a well-experienced international, obtaining over 60 caps for his country, and has appeared at two Euros and the same number of World Cups.
The centre-back is strong in many capabilities as a defender. Obviously his tough-tackling persona has been well broadcasted across the continent, perhaps to an extent where what has been told overshadows the actual truth (Pepe wasn’t sent off a single time in the 2014-15 campaign). However, what stands out for me is his ability on the ball, something that has been showcased and refined further in a Carlo Ancelotti side that arguably played the best football in the world during his two-year tenure. His passing ability is great, and as a result becomes a great option if wanting to build up the attack from the defence – shown with an average of 87% pass accuracy and 45 passes a match (WhoScored). Finally, he offers a great aerial threat, averaging 2.7 won aerial duels a match, and his defensive performance is consistently good, making almost four clearances a match, and two interceptions a match.
These aforementioned qualities are essential for an Arsenal side looking to win their first league title in over a decade. Looking back at Chelsea, the English champions, players like John Terry brought a new edge of power and enforcer-style mentality into his game, giving the Blues a fearless streak that ultimately helped them towards triumph. Whilst it could be argued that Gabriel, Arsenal’s no. 5, could offer this, he’s still a raw talent and perhaps isn’t developed enough to sustain a full-on assault on the Premier League from matchday one to 38 – whereas Pepe is the finished product, an experienced defender, and offers that essential “bite” to his style.
The 32-year-old is a defender who has “been there and done it”, a player who’s won the biggest spoils in European football. That sort of experience is vital when trying to navigate such a tricky league, and having someone who had handled that is great for the squad overall. His passing would also fit very well in an Arsène Wenger side famed for its passing-possession style, an essential factor in the Arsenal way of winning. Finally, it’s important that any holes in the squad are sealed up in time for the campaign – Per Mertesacker was exposed time and time again last season, and Gabriel is perhaps not at the level to be relied upon extensively, although he definitely has the potential for that in the future – more reason to buy an ageing defender like Pepe, who can offer a great, immediate effect for the coming campaign.
It’s very realistic for Arsenal to buy Pepe as well, despite his key role at Real Madrid. The Portugal international could be persuaded – a good club to end a career at, in a great city like London, with the prospect of a title challenge, as well as being part of such an ambitious project, especially in arguably the best league in the world, are all appealing factors. Finally, many players across the world would be interested in working with an experienced as a manager as Arsène Wenger – a man who works well with players, and is a footballing institution in England. Arsenal are becoming a wanted club, and a promising club that players hope to join, perhaps backed by Arsenal director Lord Harris’ comments. Los Blancos, thinking about the future, wouldn’t be against shifting the 32-year old centre-back, especially with a young starlet like Raphael Varane waiting behind the scenes to become the main man in the back four. For these reasons, it’s certainly unrealistic to write Pepe off as unattainable.
If Arsenal are to win the league, especially with the level of competition arising in England’s top tier, it’s important that any holes in the first team are patched up in time for the opening day of the season. Pepe is a fantastic centre-back and offers many attributes that Arsenal need to capture England’s biggest honour. Perhaps one of my favourite defenders in the game right now, and one who I’d strongly urge Arsene Wenger to acquire.
