Tim Sherwood has told Premier League Productions that Dani Ceballos is ‘second-rate’ to frozen out Arsenal star Mesut Ozil.
Like many have questioned before, the Sky Sports pundit also asked ‘how on earth’ Arsenal didn’t provide the German with a squad number this season.
After Mikel Arteta had guided the club to a memorable win at Old Trafford, they hit the low of all lows following that defeat to Aston Villa before the international break – Ceballos, 24, is in his second season at the Emirates, and from the options in the middle of the park, he is the more attack-minded player.
But former Aston Villa manager Sherwood doesn’t seem to rate the Real Madrid man, who hasn’t been able to provide that cutting edge for his team.
“They lack options [in midfield], they definitely lack options,” said Sherwood. “A team of Arsenal’s calibre to not have any midfield players.
“I have an answer for him, but it cannot happen – Mesut Ozil. How on earth can he not have a squad number?! They lack creativity in the middle of the park.
“Partey is obviously going to be a miss. Ceballos is second-rate, for me, to Mesut Ozil. You are going to end up with Xhaka? Maitland-Niles may step into that area. They have got options, but no real quality options.”
What makes matters worse for Arsenal is that they are going to miss their aggressor and commander in the middle of the park in Partey for tonight’s clash against Leeds.
Whilst he isn’t a creative player, his presence, his aggressive pressing does push Arsenal further up the field because they win the ball in crucial areas and it gets the best out of the players around him.
But this Arsenal side needs a response at Elland Road, whether it’s free-flowing or lacklustre, a win is needed to silence the critics, who will only get louder if they drop points once again.
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