Until the 90

⚽ **TRANSFERS: English Premier League 2017/18** ⚽

The Marauding Fullback

Player: Sead Kolasinac

Age: 23 years

Position: Left Fullback

To: Arsenal FC

From: FC Schalke 04

Transfer Fee: End of Contract - Free Transfer

Report:

The 2016/17 FA Cup Champions Arsenal have announced their first transfer for this summer. The signature Bosnia-Herzegovina left back Sead Kolasinac from German club Schalke has been confirmed on a free transfer. He will soon be turning 24 this month and has already gained experience playing at the highest level with further potential to become a top player.

2016/17 Career Statistics:

He made his competitive debut for the Schalke first team in the 2012/13 season. Last season he went to make 36 appearances in all competitions managing to score 3 goals and assist a further 9 times. Looking at these numbers, there isn’t any doubt that he loves attacking the opposition.

Combination Play:

Kolasinac has an impressive attribute that every modern fullback today should have within them, to be equally good in both attack and defense. His numbers as attacking fullback for Schalke are quite impressive. Since his first competitive debut for the club, he has managed 123 first team appearances, scoring 4 goals and assisting 13 times.

In defense, he is the dream fullback that every manager would want to have in their squad. Defensively, he is sound and he knows when to throw in a sliding tackle and when not to. He will be a challenge for any right sided midfielder who comes up against him.

Positive Qualities:

He is a player filled with positive attributes. He is at an age where he is progressing and will be impressive for Arsenal for the present and the future. He can directly challenge for the first choice left back role at the club and may end up getting it.

Any drawbacks:

To name a few, one would be for the current Arsenal left back Kieran Gibbs whose time in the squad may have all but come to an end and may be sold by the manager. Initially it will be difficult at first for Kolasinac to be the first choice full back ahead of Nacho Monreal. But the manager will rotate both the players well according to the requirement of the upcoming game. He also needs to make sure that he settles into life in London and the Premier League soon enough.

Conclusion:

He has a bright future ahead of him with a lot of potential to show growth. It was a smart piece of business that Arsenal have done in years, signing a quality fullback especially on a free transfer. He will be vital for the Arsenal side whenever they need him.