Shkodran Mustafi
A strong central defender can transform a team and a season, and the stellar play of Shkodran Mustafi is doing just that for Arsenal. After conceding a number of goals to start the campaign, the German international has helped to solidify the Gunners’ backline.
Part of Everton’s academy system at the beginning of the decade, Mustafi went on to feature for Sampdoria and Valencia before making his way to North London in August. The 24-year old’s ability to organise the defence and pinpoint passes make him a transfer target that Wenger could not overlook. In a difficult La Liga environment that can be tough for any defender to handle, Mustafi shined with Los Che.
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Mustafi is a transfer that hits all of the points that Wenger wants to see in potential players. Still young and possessing a tremendous upside, the centre-back has been in fine form recently. Three of his seven Premier League appearances have resulted in clean sheets and Mustafi has been an important part of clearing out the opposition’s scoring chances.
Mustafi also earned his first senior international caps in 2014. He was a member of Germany’s World Cup title-winning squad in 2014 and a part of the Euro 2016 team. His role with Die Mannschaft and overall skills will continue to grow and progress.
While criticism of his transfer market moves are bound to continue, Arsene Wenger did bring quality footballers into the Arsenal line-up. Shkodran Mustafi, Granit Xhaka and Lucas Perez have all shown that they can contribute in the future and to a successful 2016-17 season for the Gunners.