Do what you can, where you are, with what you have was always an idea instilled in me growing up. The transfer window closed two weeks ago, yet what seems to be the biggest concern among Arsenal fans still is the failure to sign a defensive midfielder.
Rather than sit in front of a computer and find a creatively profane way to berate Arsene Wenger, Ivan Gazidis, or Mesut Ozil on twitter, one must look at what the club have available to them at this exact moment.
Yesterday’s game against Borussia Dortmund was indicative of the fact that Mikel Arteta is not the answer at the base of midfield for Arsenal. Arteta appears to be getting slower by the fixture, and his once sharp ball-retention isn't what it once was.
Anyone who watches the Gunners knows that Mathieu Flamini is just as subpar of an option. His intensity and work rate are outstanding, as is his on-field leadership. Like Arteta though, he is slowing down physically.
Per Mertesacker and Laruent Koscielny have not been as sharp as they were last season thus far, but there is hardly any cover in front of them. Arteta’s listless display showed a change is absolutely necessary, but since buying a top player is not an option for a few months, the Gunners must improvise.
It wouldn’t be so farfetched of an idea to try and play Aaron Ramsey out of position at the base of midfield. The Welshman has endured a poor start to the season, and albeit he has scored some clutch goals late on in matches, his overall quality cowers to that of last season’s.
Ramsey is a tough tackler, an excellent passer, and his work rate is outstanding. Arsenal fans will point to the fact that his offensive game lifts the team, but right now the Gunners are so thin in front of their back line that other needs must be addressed.
Ramsey’s struggles are not as well-documented as those of Mesut Ozil, but they are arguably just as bad at the moment. Dropping him into a deeper role may not be the flashiest move in the public eye, but who else does Arsenal have right now?
Ramsey would, of course, have to improvise as well. His license to streak forward would have to be suspended, as would his affinity for audacious moves with the ball at his feet. In the long run, it’s a stretch to say Ramsey’s future is in the defensive midfield. But, that’s what Arsenal need right now and over time a simpler approach will benefit the Welshman’s overall game.
People tend to forget that when Mikel Arteta was purchased from Everton, he was a #10, and not a steely midfielder. Arteta has logged a few decent performances since Wenger moved him to a deeper role, but he doesn't have enough gas left in the tank to be the player Arsenal need.
For all the offensive weapons Arsenal have in midfield, they can afford to temporarily play someone out of position who has the quality to succeed there. Jack Wilshere is another option, but he isn’t in the same physical mold as Ramsey and has a history of poor temperament.
Calum Chambers is also an idea, and probably the best immediate solution. However, Chambers’ talents right now need to be allocated to covering the thinnest back line in the premier league, especially given the fitness of Mathieu Debuchy and Nacho Monreal.
The idea of Ramsey being utilized where Arteta currently is wouldn’t be a proper utilization of the Welshman’s talents. However, it is a temporary solution, and could very well be the best one for Arsenal.
Arsene Wenger will be keen to sign a defensive midfielder in January, but until then sacrifices must be made with what pieces are already at the club’s disposal.
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