The 23/24 season is roughly one month away and as we gear up for the season, we have a couple of players that weren't at their best or just couldn't cut it last season. In this post, I look at some players that will have a point to prove in this season, as we look to improve on our second-place finish.
Injury Blighted Tomi
Starting at the back, one player with much to prove in the coming season is Japanese CB/RB, Tomiyasu. He is entering his third season at the ems and while we have seen his brilliance in patches, injuries have consistently got in the way.
A lot has been made about Saliba's absence which led to depending on the very undependable Holding but I also think we felt the absence of Tomi. When fit, there's no doubt he is one of the best defenders in the league and his ability to fill multiple positions at the back would have come in handy.
One thing for sure is that if Tomiyasu was fit, we wouldn't have had to depend on Rob Holding because either he or White would simply take over the RCB role and give us the control that Rob Holding could never give us.
After a successful surgery, Tomi's recurrent injuries should be behind him and he will be looking to have a productive season. If he does stay fit, he will ensure we have options at the back and improve our chances.
Doubting Thomas
At the latter stages of the season, Thomas Partey struggled and was eventually even replaced by Jorginho in the lineup. Despite his drop in form, there's no doubt that Partey is one of the best defensive midfielders in the World and he will be looking to prove it.
The addition of Declan Rice to the squad has further raised questions about his place in the squad but my hunch is that Arteta intends to use Declan Rive further forward and so, the former Hammers midfielder may not necessarily be a threat to Partey's position.
The rumours about Partey's potential exist has not done anything to allay concerns about his spot in the squad but with the season only a couple of weeks away and news of his commitment to the cause, he will have a lot to prove as we push for the Premiere League title.
The Real Vieira
Since his signing from Porto at the start of last season, there's a general feeling that we haven't gotten to see the best of the attacking midfielder. Last season, we got to see him in patches but with game time so few and far due to Odegard's stellar performances, Fabio was relegated to a bit part role in the squad.
He didn't do himself any favours as he was part of a squad that eventually got knocked out by Portuguese outlet Sporting in the Europa League but this season will be monumental for him.
When he was signed, Fabio was on the back of an impressive run in the Euro U21 tournament and was crowned player of the tournament to boot. Unfortunately, he hasn't been able to replicate that form for Arsenal.
At just 21 years old. Fabio still has a lot of years ahead of him and I believe he will eventually make his mark in the league at Arsenal. He has elite ball striking ability and close control. It is just a matter of time.
The Goal Smithe
There was a lot of expectation for Emile but his injury troubles got in the way. He managed to get into the squad a couple of times but he never looked comfortable as he struggled with injuries.
Now fully fit, we'll hope to see the best of Emile Smith-Rowe in Arsenal's midfield. Even more importantly, we'd be excited to see how he fits into Arteta's system. There's no doubt that when fit, Emile is an exceptional footballer that can create and convert chances for us.
After an injury-blighted season, Emille will be looking to reinvigorate his career at Arsenal and help us push for the title.
The Number is 14
One player that has stayed out of the limelight but has a lot to prove is Eddie Nketiah. He has regularly played second fiddle to Jesus and was even benched for Trossard at times, as the Belgian played in a false nine role.
Arteta and Edu chose to reward Eddie Nketiah with a contract at the end of last season but after the signing of Jesus, the striker has found game time hard to come by. Unfortunately, this doesn't;t look like changing as we now have Champions League football to contend for and the very impressive Balgon on the books.
In fact, some of the fanbase would not be against the idea of Nketiah leaving in place of the more prolific Balogun. In any case, Eddie has a lot to prove this season and with the weight of the number 14 behind his back, he doesn't have a choice.
Nketiah needs to at least warrant a place in the starting lineup by taking the chances he gets off the bench. He has to sharpen up his shooting and play intelligently, so he can be in the manager's reckoning.
Don't forget to join the Hive football community and until we meet again, up the Arsenal.
