Does Per Mertesacker Deserve More Credit This Season?

Arsenal are the talk of the country at the moment after beating Borussia Dortmund in their own back garden and topping their Champions League group. They are also five points clear at the top of the Premier League after just 10 games and things are looking rosy in general for Arsene Wenger and his troops. However, while the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Olivier Giroud and Mesut Ozil hog the headlines, there is one man who I believe deserves more credit than he’s getting.

That man is Per Mertesacker. The giant German has been nothing short of incredible this campaign and is a huge reason for the Gunners’ success. In his nine appearances, not only has he won 80% of his tackles, but he’s also come out on top of 20/32 of his headers.

He averages six defensive actions per Premier League game but it’s how he retains possession that impresses me most. Yes, he’s a giant in the air and a natural leader of men, but he has also completed  92% of his passes.

He has also played four games in the Champions League and his stats stand even taller. His duel success rises to 80%  and an average of nine defensive actions per appearance.

The 29-year-old is a colossal at the back and looks as though he is willing to die for the cause, and in my opinion he needs to be saluted for that.

Stats via Squawka