Nacho Monreal has arguably, although most feel objectively, turned into the Premier League’s best left-back. Consistent, athletic and intelligent, he has completely superseded Kieran Gibbs to claim Arsenal’s left back spot for over a season now, and the signing of his new contract indicates his willingness to do so for years to come.
At 29-years of age, this kind of contract is considered to be one’s most important, determining whether to stay at your current club during peak years or to make one last big move. Players like Bacary Sagna and Robin van Persie chose to move elsewhere, while players such as Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny and now Monreal chose to fully commit to the north London club.
Arriving for a fee of around £8.3 million on January deadline day 2013, he was brought in to solve the club’s maligned full back crisis which led to players like Thomas Vermaelen covering for the injured Gibbs. Immediately thrown into action, he had a very successful first few months at the club, contributing not only to Arsenal’s streak of clean sheets late on in the season, but providing an assist for the winner against Aston Villa, and scoring the winner away to Swansea.
However, the 2013/14 season threatened to cut his Arsenal career short. After being affected by injuries and a loss of form, fans began to question his inclusion in the team, becoming nervous when Gibbs was unavailable. Much the backup to the England international, he continued to struggle until an injury to Koscielny enabled Monreal to have a run of games at centre-back.
Initially unconvincing, Monreal grew into the role, using his aggression to intercept and his pace to cover Mertesacker. This continued on for a few months much to the success of the side, and appeared to have improved Monreal’s defensive side. After taking his chance at the heart of the defence, Monreal took the left back spot from Gibbs and has refused to return it ever since.
This season, Monreal has been a revelation – along with Petr Cech, Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud, he is currently one of the players threatening to take the club to the title. Every game seems to deliver an 8/10 performance, every right-sided player suppressed against him.
Although not blessed with the speed of Spanish teammate Hector Bellerin, Monreal’s ability to cross as well as recycle possession has provided an outlet on the left flank.
Monreal’s importance to Arsenal is intangible, he provides consistent, reliable and well-delivered performances week-in-week-out, and will continue to do so for at least the next three seasons.
