What can Arsenal fans expect from Sead Kolasinac

According to various reliable sources like the Guardian and Di Marzio, Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign Schalke’s highly rated defender Sead Kolasinac, who will join the Premier League club in July.

Despite many outlets reporting he will join Arsenal, his father said on Sunday night that Kolasinac will pick between Arsenal and AC Milan, whilst Manchester City, Liverpool and Everton were also interested in signing the full-back. What we do know, is the 23-year-old will be playing for a different club next campaign.

With Schalke languishing tenth place in the Bundesliga table, Kolasinac has been one of the rare shining lights in yet another underwhelming season being endured by the Royal Blues.

That was not the case at the start of the season though as Kolasinac’s place as Schalke’s first choice left back came under threat initially with Chelsea loanee Baba Rahman being preferred by coach Marcus Weinzierl. However due to the team’s mediocre form and Rahman suffering a season ending injury whilst on international duty, Kolasinac was reinstated into the side and he has not looked back since.

What characteristics does Kolasinac possess

Quick off the mark and aggressive in the tackle, the 23-year-old is a force to be reckoned with in one-on-one situations due to his brute strength and excellent recovery pace.

Apart from his obvious expiring contract, the former VfB Stuttgart player’s versatility and physicality is what that has made him such an attractive proposition to the big European clubs.

Kolasinac’s preferred position is at left back or left wing back but he can also fill in as admirably as a centre back due to his enormous upper body strength and six-foot frame. He also has experience of playing in midfield due to him being deployed as a defensive midfielder in Schalke’s youth sides.

Going forward he has established himself as one of the best left backs in the business after scoring three and assisting another five goals for in all competitions for Schalke this season.

Kolasinac possess all the right attributes desired of a full back in the modern game while his versatility is an added bonus. Whichever club manages to sign him will get themselves an already great player who has the potential to be one of the best players in his position.

By Faraz Naqvi.

 

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