Thread by @EBL2017

Vlahovic this, Vlahovic that...

Let's set the record straight - Vlahovic would be a *SPECIAL* signing for Arsenal. He is the exact type of player to propel Arteta's project to the next level.

Below, in this in-depth thread, I explain why The Gunners *MUST* sign him!

THREAD!

Vlahovic has a special left foot with amazing technique from a close ball control standpoint but also crucially in relation to the power & accuracy of his ball striking. His technique enables him to do what he wants to do on the ball, & that is to make a difference every time.

He also has the strength combined with the close control to hold the ball up *WHILST* also being a top athlete. Vlahovic is a big boy but he runs the channels at a deceptively quick rate. It’s deceptive because of his height. He looks slow but he covers ground at phenomenal speed

Vlahovic has absolutely no problem running beyond a defender in transition where possible. Just because he’s tall and broad does not mean he isn’t quick - the player can easily spin in behind the last line and break away from defenders. As I said, it's deceptive speed.

The Serbian is an unbelievable athlete with an incredible leap and great aggression to boot. He is great at holding off defenders and meeting crosses with his head whilst hustling and harrying with defenders. He also directs headers into either corner with phenomenal accuracy.

That athletic dominance enables Vlahovic to use his composure and quality to take his time on the ball whilst working a yard of space to use his left foot to do what he does best - make a difference every time he gets the ball i.e. a cross, a progressive pass, shot, etc.

The narrative of Vlahovic being a limited penalty box striker/poacher is illogical when judging him based on his athleticism, profile, & technical level. He’s one of the most complete centre forwards in the game. He can *ABSOLUTELY* link play for Arsenal whilst being an outlet!

Vlahovic has a wicked left foot and his mentality means he will not rest at simply laying the ball back to a teammate - he wants to make a difference. He’s got a main man type mentality, and his wand of a left foot enables him to carry out phenomenal passes i.e. switches of play.

Vlahovic's ball striking enables him to score from distance. It is rare to see a striker with such amazing close control and such clean but powerful ball striking. People call him a poacher but his finishing is emphatic, meaning he can score goals from ANYWHERE.

Scary talent.

Vlahovic can pick out the corner via any type of finish. He can roll the ball into the far corner from any angle in the box or can smash it into the top corner from outside the box, and as we know he can do that with his head too…

The guy has the arrogance to chip a penalty down the middle against Juventus when he has the ballstriking to smash the ball into either stanchion. People often use Vlahovic’s penalty record to downplay his abilities. I say it showcases how ruthless his ballstriking & mentality is

Despite the audacious dink against Juventus, Vlahovic typically smashes the ball with pinpoint accuracy into the corners, and it doesn’t matter which one. He prefers to go across body, but he is also capable of side-footing the ball into the near post with pace, accuracy & power.

And, yes, if you’re wondering, Vlahovic's ball striking translates to free kicks, as is normal. The guy is a jack of all trades - an elite ball striker, athlete, and technician whilst having the mentality to use his athleticism to bully defenders, run the channels & score goals.

Strikers have a very finite set of requirements to carry out to be good at what they do - athleticism, work rate, determination/confidence to score, ability to strike the ball, and finally technical quality (least important) are the parameters - Vlahovic does it all.

Being complete isn’t the be all & end all for a striker. Typically, a driven mentality combined with elite ball striking can see one become an all time great (Aguero). However, athleticism is an invaluable trait, so a combination of the three is invaluable. Vlahovic has all three

However, sometimes one being so complete can lead to them deviating from that striker position i.e. Mbappé constantly drifting to the sides because he wants to have more of the ball. They are not patient enough to wait up front for their teammates to assist them - not Vlahovic.

Vlahovic stays up front whilst possessing every single quality required to be an elite striker. Barring injuries, Vlahovic will absolutely become a world class player, if he’s not that already. He clearly has all the qualities combined with the mentality, so what can stop him?

Again, in relation to Arteta’s system, he absolutely fits the bill. He’s an outlet who will help the team get up the pitch, a top technician and aggressive athlete who will hold the ball up, link play, and make a difference in transition thanks to his ball striking/top passing.

Again, we all know Vlahovic is a deadly finisher of moves, but players can also runs off of him. He likes to get involved between the lines and to link play. The notion that the likes of Smith-Rowe, Saka and Martinelli won't be able to make runs off of him is entirely false.

When considering that Vlahovic excels at linking play, he creates space for Arsenal's attackers to exploit but it also means that the Serb is a top transitional threat with his passing ala Harry Kane thanks to his profile, ball striking, & athleticism. AND he runs the channels!

That right there is the dream combination of a striker. If you were to make a striker in a lab, Vlahovic would be it. The guy is as complete as complete can be whilst being disciplined positionally. He would translate to the PL straight away due to his mentality and athleticism.

Vlahovic at Arsenal is the dream fit. He does it all, and it is absolutely no surprise that Mikel Arteta’s elite talent ID comes to the fore yet again - replacing Lacazette/Aubameyang is a priority of the highest order. Hopefully the board gets it done ASAP before it’s too late!