31-year-old defender Bacary Sagna's loss was a big blow for London's Arsenal team. However, Newcastle United's star Mathieu Debuchy's experience, defensive abilities, play in the "second tier" and winner mentality set him apart as the most suitable replacement - says portal goal.com journalist Liam Twomey, who prepared this analysis.
In previous years, the loss of an important club player would have sparked talks of a crisis within Arsenal. However, coach Arsene Wenger acted quickly and Newcastle right-back Mathieu Debuchy should be presented as the newest Gunner player this week.
It can be said that Wenger's extended time to plan for the future without Sagna's departure from North London. German defender Sebastiano Jung from Eintracht Frankfurt's candidacy was considered as early as January, and negotiations with Toulouse for Serge Aurier's acquisition were well advanced.
Nevertheless, with Debuchy getting ready for life in London, Wenger can be confident that he acquired a very reliable player who has already established himself in the Premier League and will immediately fill the void left by Sagna.
At 28 years old, it's hard to call the former Lille player a long-term replacement, despite being two years younger than Sagna. However, if Wenger still sincerely believes in Carl Jenkinson, the Englishman could become the next main club defender. Arsenal's coach is known for his trust in young players, so this would not be a huge surprise. In this case, Debuchy's age and experience are definitely a positive thing.
It is believed that Debuchy's Premier League experience played a key role in helping him rise in Wenger's summer transfer targets list. In 18 months in England, the 28-year-old defender shone more brightly than most talented Newcastle players managed by a completely unambitious owner.
Debuchy averaged 3.3 tackles per game last season, second only in his position in the Premier League to Jon Flanagan, Pablo Zabaleta, and Cesar Azpilicueta. He also averaged 2.4 interceptions per game - the most in the entire Newcastle team.
Aurier's statistics highlight him as a bigger offensive threat - the Ivory Coast representative created 32 chances for his team-mates last season in Ligue 1 (Debuchy - 23) and scored two goals in the World Cup in Brazil. In the Toulouse club, he was often assigned more offensive functions than defensive ones. Debuchy, on the other hand, publicly expressed disappointment in May that coach Alan Pardew was restricting his forward runs like he does in the French national team.
Newcastle defender's overall defensive statistics (tackles, ball interceptions, clearances) are 10.5 per game. Meanwhile, Aurier's result is only 8. Also, the Frenchman made half as many mistakes.
Wenger first chose Debuchy for his defensive play. It may be somewhat strange, but the most appreciated Frenchman's ability is playing in the "second tier". No right-back in the five major European leagues won as many aerial duels as Debuchy - an average of 4 per game. Aurier won only 2.7 aerial duels per game, while Sagna, who played as a central defender several times, won the ball in the air 3.5 times per game.
Debuchy's arrival almost guarantees that strong Premier League attackers and full-backs who deliver crosses into the penalty area will not target Arsenal's right flank. In addition, his abilities will help the team defend in set-piece situations.
There is also a psychological aspect. Losing Sagna, Wenger not only lost one of the strongest and most experienced personalities but probably also the most eloquent person, given his desire for Arsenal to show greater ambitions in the transfer market and in the fight for trophies. Such an attitude made Arsenal fans love him and did not easily accept his move to Manchester City.
However, unlike Sagna, Debuchy came to England as a champion - with Newcastle, he supplemented 20 years spent in Lille and in 2011 won an historic league and cup double. This distinguishes him as one of the most accomplished Arsenal players and highlights how far Wenger's troops still have to go on the path back to glory.
Former teammate Yohan Cabaye praised his best friend's strong psychology, fighting spirit, and physical preparation back in January. In recent years, these qualities have not been associated with Arsenal. The new purchase will not make the Gunners champions overnight, but this deal is a step in the right direction.
