Ceballos emerges as the complete midfielder in Emery’s vision for future
On-loan Spaniard takes star billing in Arsenal’s 100 per cent start to the season, writes Gerry Cox
Anew season has brought a new Arsenal. This time last season, after two defeats from his opening two games as manager, Unai Emery was having to revisit his whole philosophy, and specifically his insistence on asking his new side to play out from the back.
Fast-forward a year and Arsenal have six points from six, and look endowed with the kind of squad who seem perfectly equipped to bring Emery closer to his ideal vision. Central to that is Dani Ceballos, the outstanding performer in Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Burnley. The Spanish playmaker is on loan from Real Madrid for the season, but already Arsenal fans are urging Emery to “sign him up”.
If only it were that easy. Ceballos is highly regarded in Spain and among the hierarchy at the Bernabeu, even if Zinedine Zidane does not appear to want him this season. For Arsenal, the 23-yearold provides a previously missing link between defence and attack, dropping deep to collect the ball from defenders, brave enough to run with it under pressure from opponents and with the technical ability to open up opposition defences with his passing.
Arsenal’s winner came as a result of his harrying, as he dispossessed Johann Berg Gudmundsson to release Pierre-emerick Aubameyang, whose movement and finish was reminiscent of Thierry Henry at his finest.
Ceballos looks like he is tailormade for Emery’s purposes. He is happy to collect the ball in Arsenal’s defensive third, even under pressure from opponents, can tackle, has a range of passing and is also a goal threat – the complete midfielder.
Emery was manager of Sevilla when Ceballos, who was born in the city, was progressing through the ranks at neighbouring Real Betis, and knows what he can do. Ceballos may have inherited Aaron Ramsey’s No8 shirt, but clearly has more flexibility in his game.
“I spoke with him before he came and said he can play as a No8 or a 10 for us,” the manager said. “Today, he started like a 10, but also changed with [Joe]
Willock in the No8 position. It’s wherever he can feel best on the pitch.”
David Luiz, another new boy who arrived this summer, appreciates the way Ceballos and Matteo Guendouzi helped out their defence and says the Spaniard can be a huge bonus for Arsenal this season.
“He is someone who loves to play football and do a job, someone who loves to touch the ball and take on the game,” Luiz said. “He played an amazing game and I hope he can keep improving and help us. Today he played at a different level and it was good for everybody.” Aubameyang’s goal ultimately proved decisive on Saturday, Ashley Barnes having equalised for Burnley before half-time after Alexandre Lacazette had opened the scoring by shooting through a crowd of players and the legs of goalkeeper Nick Pope, who was otherwise impressive in keeping out goal-bound efforts from the Frenchman, Aubameyang and Nicolas Pepe.
With those three playing in interchangeable roles up front, Arsenal now have a forward line as potent as any in the country, and on this evidence,they have a stronger defence than last season.
Luiz brought experience and calmness to an Arsenal back line that was their weak point last season. This time they held off a strong challenge from Burnley, who created chances but rarely stretched Bernd Leno. A stiffer test will come this Saturday with a visit to Anfield, and Emery joked: “We would rather never play against Liverpool! But that is our challenge, a good test. Our target is to reduce the distance on them, Man City, Tottenham and Chelsea. We are ambitious and with the spirit in the dressing room, the training, the players we have, I am happy because we are very focused now.”