Tactical Profile: Joachim Andersen
Many opinions and rumors have flown around the football world on solutions to move Arsenal Football Club forward following the devastating end to the season. The Gunners in desperate need of reinforcements across the squad but especially in defense. One of the strongest links so far at the beginning of Arsenal’s summer has been with Danish defender Joachim Andersen. Currently applying his trade in Italy for Sampadoria, he had a fantastic season, Sampadoria’s defense had the 5th most clean sheets in the Italian top flight and Andersen’s 32 appearances at the age of just 22 was an essential to their success.
FILLING A NECESSITY
A massive miss from Arsenal’s defense has been a physical presence that will consistently perform at a world class level no matter the attacking pressure on them. Since the times of Sol Campbell and you could even say Per Mertasakcer, Arsenal haven’t had a strong physical presence in defense. This can be highlighted by the fact Arsenal failed to keep an away clean sheet in the entirety of the first half of the season. Also, conceding the 3rd most penalties in the league. Even with Unai Emery’s attempts at striking a defensive balance in Arsenal’s play it is fair to say that some of Arsenal’s personnel have proven to be unfit.
Standing at 6’4 Joachim Andersen is a recognizable physical presence. Winning 1.6 of his tackles, and only being dribble past 0.4 times per game making him hard to get around. He likes to close space down quickly and handles balls over the top very well, allowing Sampadoria to play with a high line and press high.
WOULD HE FIT INTO ARSENAL’S SYSTEM
Joachim Andersen’s fantastic defensive qualities would be a warm welcome at Arsenal. But of course, when buying a player it is important that they can play in the systems and philosophies in place at the club. He’s been implemented in a back three and back four, making him familiar with both options that Unai Emery has used. At Sampadoria, they pressed high in the opposition half, played with a high line and very relative to Arsenal play out the back. A massive belief of this Sampadoria this season has been playing out the back, no matter the opposition. They particularly enjoy beginning their play with Joachim Andersen.
Joachim Andersen’s ball playing abilities is a massive strength of his. Most modern defenders have adapted their ball skills to be on par with the rest of outfield players. However, Andersen’s abilities on the ball exceed the norm with an 88% passing accuracy and 5.9 long balls per game. Andersen’s long balls could become a massive weapon that Arsenal have lacked this season, allowing them to skip the buildup phase or be a threat in-behind the opposition defense.
TO GOOD TO BE TRUE?
Arsenal have particularly struggled with crosses this season. So a 6’4 defender could certainly cut this issue out right? No, every notable Arsenal central defender has won more arial duels per game this season than Joachim Andersen. He also isn’t particularly fast, mixing that with his proneness to roam out of his space to press opposition ball carriers and you have a problem. Sometimes creating space in dangerous areas for the opposition.
VERDICT
Most Arsenal fans would have been hoping that achieving Champions League football could help attract household names such as Samuel Umtiti. However, Joachim Andersen can give Arsenal the chance to make a household name. At the ripe age of 23, he has a great skillset and frame to become a top class defender. Sampadoria have produced a world class defender before in Milan Skrinar and they could have potentially produced another in Joachim Andersen.
