Opinion piece: Who's the most important player on the pitch for Arsenal?

Arsenal are made up of many talents that make it 'the Gunners'. But who is the most important to have on the pitch for le boss, Arsene Wegner? In this post I'll be taking an in depth look at that.
Let's just use their typical starting eleven to make this a little easier ok?

• Lukasz Fabianski (although fighting injury, he's played regularly in the past little while)
• Gael Clichy
• Laurent Koscielny
• Sebastien Squillaci
• Bacary Sagna           
• Samir Nasri
• Jack Wilshere
• Alexandre Song
• Andrey Arshavin
• Robin Van Persie
• Marouane Chamakh
• Cesc Fabregas (I have to include the captain)

I'm aware that I'm missing big names such as Theo Walcott, Nicklas Bendtner, Carlos Vela, Keiran Gibbs, ans Tomas Rosicky to name a few but I'm factoring in the general line-up used by Arsene.  The fact is that line-ups change so often you can't have just one starting eleven. Hope I didn't anger anyone with the line-up I chose.


I'm going to make a shortlist of who, in my opinion, are crucial to Arsenal and then will assess from there.

• Jack Wilshere
• Cesc Fabregas
• Samir Nasri

Jack Wilshere. Midfielder. When you see this kid play it's hard to believe that he is just a kid! Impeccable control and passing Jack is sure to be the next Cesc Fabregas if he plays his cards right. Incredibly strong for his height and fights for each and every ball he loses. Has shown that he can score if he wants to. Usually is fit for a more attacking midfielder role and does well in this position. He receives passes and either takes the ball closer before passing it off or passes it off right away and runs into opens space to see what opportunities can result from his run.

Cesc Fabregas. Midfielder. The captain himself, Cesc shows great ability and is notably one of the best midfielders in England. It is as if the ball is attracted to his boot! He always finds the best opportunities and sees space and openings that no one other than maybe Andres Iniesta or Xavi would be able to spot.  Has been fighting injuries frequently lately, mostly his knee. (Broke his leg last season, fighting fluid ever since). When at full health, the most dangerous player on the pitch.

Samir Nasri. Midfielder (often in a very forward position) One of the best, if not the best player on the pitch for Arsenal. Sami has showed that he has a taste for goal by scoring time and time again. He is Arsenal's top scorer this season, closely followed by Chamakh. Although he is listed as a midfielder, Samir is no stranger to the other teams penalty box. In my opinion, Nasri adds a certain flair each and every time he is on the pitch. He has the ability to dangle defenders as if they are schoolboys. He then finishes on the goal with a shot that even Pele would be proud of. Samir has been known to work his way into the penalty box using his quick feet and slot the ball into the net off an almost impossible angle. When he takes on a more midfield position, he usually finds the right pass or brings the ball up field. To me, Nasri is the most clinical player, he will almost always finish what he started.

Now that I've reviewed the strengths of the players on the shortlist, I have made my decision. I believe that Samir Nasri is the most important player on the pitch. It was really close between Samir and Cesc, but due to Cesc's health his performances haven't been up to his usual standard lately, and I don't blame him at all, but I believe that at the moment Nasri has the most effect on Arsenal's game.

Note: this is completely my opinion, and I am entitled to it as are you. If you would like to express your opinion simply do so as a comment and I will note your opinion. Also, if you think that a different player is the most important for Arsenal, by all means tell me! I'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic.


Thank you for reading!