Player Report: What Can Defender Who Has Won 29/30 Tackles Offer Arsenal?

While most of the Arsenal faithful are demanding a striker ahead of the January transfer window, there are still a few worried about the lack of options at the back. Per Mertesacker is the first name on the team-sheet for me but Laurent Koscielny has struggled to retain last season’s form, and Thomas Vermaelen isn’t getting a look in. But don’t fret Gooners, talkSPORT are reporting that Arsene Wenger has a man lined up to step in and ease the defensive worries, and his name is Nicolas N’Koulou.

The Marseille centre-half is a colossus. His powerful frame and ridiculous athleticism has seen him win 29/30 of his tackles and 8/1 of his headers in Ligue 1 this term and he has also had success in the Champions League, even if the French outfit have lost all four of their games so far.

In Europe, the 23-year-old has triumphed in all seven of his tackles, 3/5 of his headers and completed a nifty 89% of his passes. He has also averaged a whopping 11 defensive actions per game.

He has made three mistakes so far this season, one of which led to a goal, but if slotted into a more composed backline that surely that would eradicate those from his game.

It’s exciting times to be an Arsenal fan, not least because they sit top of both the Premier League and their Champions League group stage. 

Have a watch of this clip to find out more about the centre-back.