Stats suggest Rabiot IS the right transfer for Arsenal
Arsenal have been linked in transfer rumours with plenty of central midfielders this summer, and in every transfer window that I can recall. They are not always players seen as a typical defensive midfielder, often being more all-rounders like Sami Khedira, which Arsene Wenger’s use of Mikel Arteta in the role suggests is more likely.
The player that seems to be favourite to sign for us at the minute is Adrien Rabiot of PSG. I must admit that I knew very little about the 19-year old, but as some reports in the papers are claiming that the deal is nearly done, I have been doing a bit of research, using the comparison matrix on Squawka.com.
I used the Southampton and France midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, who had fantastic stats in the Premier League last season, as well as the Bayer Leverkusen and Germany star Lars Bender, both of whom have been heavily linked with the Gunners, and the youngster comes out very well.
His overall score is slightly less than the Saints man but better than Bender’s and at just 19-years old we could expect a lot of improvement in the coming years. Because Rabiot played fewer games, 25, than the others, I looked at the average score per game and he is right up there in the important categories like shooting, tackling and possession. He actually comes out top in the crucial categories of duels won and passing accuracy, which is very impressive.
With six games in the Champions League last season, and over 30 international caps at various age levels for France, Rabiot is not exactly raw and untried, but obviously still has plenty to learn. From what I can see, he looks like he would be a fantastic signing for the Gunners. But should we get him? And if not Rabiot, then who?
