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Stephan Lichsteiner needs to give his new teammates a kick

By Kian Long

VILLAREAL, SPAIN - JUNE 03: Stephan Lichtsteiner of Switzerland looks on prior to the International Friendly match between Spain and Switzerland at Estadio de La Ceramica on June 3, 2018 in Villareal, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)
VILLAREAL, SPAIN - JUNE 03: Stephan Lichtsteiner of Switzerland looks on prior to the International Friendly match between Spain and Switzerland at Estadio de La Ceramica on June 3, 2018 in Villareal, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal recently announced the signing of Swiss defender Stephan Lichtsteiner.

Arsenal look to be in for an exciting transfer window, with Unai Emery’s first appointment being announced yesterday.

I spoke about how Stephan Lichsteiner could benefit both Granit Xhaka and Hector Bellerin, but there is more he can do this side.

All signings which include old players are frowned upon, but it shouldn’t be the case. Given the wealth of experience Lichtsteiner possesses, matched with the variety of players he has come across in his career, he won’t be phased by the Arsenal egos.

He is familiar with Xhaka during their time at Switzerland. It says a lot about the two characters that they both captain their country – Xhaka being the vice captain of the two.

This means he has a loud mouth, and he isn’t afraid to give his players a kick up the backside should they be playing out of character. This isn’t a bad thing, it’s what Arsenal have needed for a long time.

Truth is, Arsenal are known to focus on younger players, so it’s good to see a new dynamic. It is by no means as exciting as signing a young promising star, but no Arsenal fan can complain at the signing.

He brings a lot more than just leadership though, don’t be fooled. He is known for bombarding forward, and contributing to fast-paced attacks despite his age. He is comfortable in possession, which is why playing with Xhaka won’t be a bad thing.

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Despite being a full back, he is a good finisher when he needs to be. This is something Arsenal see in Nacho Monreal, but not on the other side with Hector Bellerin.

A full back’s main onus is crossing play. It may be a little different in this Arsenal side now they have sold Olivier Giroud, but the likes of Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang can still get on the end of crosses.

He will have an easy time feeding balls into these two attackers, as they are known for making the most out of all kinds of chances.

It’s unknown who will be Arsenal’s main starter out of Bellerin and Lichtsteiner, but they can certainly learn from each other. Bellerin was at his best when he faced competition in Mathieu Debuchy, so deploying another first team ready full back is by no means a bad thing.

Next: Three reasons why the Gunners must not sign Marouane Fellaini

How do you think Stephan Lichtsteiner will fit in at Arsenal?

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