Modern-day defender: Arsenal should consider signing Frankfurt star
Arsenal are no strangers to being linked with players across Europe. While it is easy for them to get linked with attacking players, the opposite is true for defensive players. But the recent links with Eintracht Frankfurt defender Evan NDicka makes a lot of sense. Leading online bookmaker https://www.bettingsites.ng/betting-sites are pricing this move at 5/1 to happen in 2020.
Sky Sports have said that a lot of the top clubs are looking at the defender. This includes Arsenal themselves. The two Milan clubs and both Valencia and Sevilla are interested too. But Arsenal signing him would be good for both parties.
Still 20, NDicka is a versatile defender. He can play at centre-back and can also play at left-back. Under Adi Hutter over the last few weeks though, the Frenchman has been playing as a left-back more often than a centre-back. Early in the season, he played regularly at centre-back too.
In the Bundesliga, NDicka has made 15 appearances. He has won 3.64 aerial duels per 90 minutes for the club. He strength lies in winning the ball back, as he makes 7.58 recoveries per 90 minutes for the club. His height of 192 cms makes it easier for him to do that, as NDicka makes 1.46 tackles per 90 minutes for the club.
NDicka is good on the ball too. The Frenchman plays 22.2 passes in his own half and does that with an accuracy of 93 percent. He is a very good progressive passer due to how as many as 43 percent of his total passes are forward passes. His passing accuracy in the opposition’s half stands at 71.6 percent too. It just shows how he is ambitious on the ball and likes to be direct with his passing.
He uses his left foot to very good effect. He wins 55 percent of his tackles and it shows that his abilities on the pitch are very much complete. That could be enough to describe him as a ‘modern-day’ centre-back.
Arsenal did sign Pablo Mari in January. But the Brazilian is only on loan and it is currently unknown if his move would be made permanent or not. He is a left-footed defender who is good on the ball- like NDicka. Kieran Tierney has faced injury issues in his first season and can go onto be the first-choice left-back.
Sead Kolasinac takes constant criticism for his defensive lapses but NDicka would be the opposite. Bukayo Saka can provide the attacking option at left-back and make that side a very strong one for Arsenal.
Rob Holding and Callum Chambers have seen their promise fade over the seasons due to injuries. Both of them are currently injured, leaving Arteta to rely on David Luiz. The Brazilian came in as a stop-gap option as he is good on the ball and was a cheap option in that position.
Shkodran Mustafi has improved, while Sokratis too has struggled with injuries. This gives a very uncertain picture of the Arsenal backline. William Saliba does come back next season and he adds a lot of quality. But NDicka fits the way Arsenal play and is younger than both Holding and Chambers.
He could be a key addition to the defence as he adds versatility and ability on the ball. This might not be a flashy signing, but it surely can be an effective one.
