‘Too aggressive’: Carragher critical of French defender Arsenal ‘big fans’ of

Follow us on Google Discover

Jamie Carragher has shared that Arsenal transfer target Evan Ndicka is ‘too aggressive’ and ‘too eager’ as a defender. 

The Eintracht Frankfurt star could be the subject of a transfer tussle next summer because the ball-playing centre-back’s contract will expire.

With Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal ‘big fans’ of the player, there doesn’t seem to be any signs that he will secure his long-term future with the Europa League champions.

The Gunners already have a thriving French defender bossing proceedings in his first season in the Premier League and there isn’t any harm in adding another to their ranks.

It remains to be seen where Arsenal will be at next season because they have to be playing Champions League football, but they might just also be champions of England along with it.

Nonetheless, whilst Carragher shared that Ndicka is a player who ‘likes to step in’ when on the ball, he was critical of the defensive work he showcases at times, as he told CBS Sports on Paramount+ (01/11/22 at 7:50 pm). 

“We have seen his experience last season in the Europa League when he got his winner’s medal,” said Carragher.

“He’s playing left-side of a back three and he likes to step in and get involved. That’s what the modern centre-back has to do.

“Defensively, at times, he is too eager and too aggressive – he’s always on the front foot and could be targeted. But is it a manager’s tactic or is it just him?”

GABRIEL THE WEAK POINT IN ARSENAL’S DEFENCE?

Mikel Arteta didn’t hesitate to make changes to his backline this season, even though when his first-team players were fit last term, they produced the goods.

William Saliba was thrown in at centre-back, with Ben White pushed to right-back, and both have been consistent performers.

But Gabriel has showcased a tendency to have brain freezes now and again, including passing the ball straight to Jesse Lingard from inside his own penalty area during his side’s 5-0 win against Nottingham Forest last time out.

Either way, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Arteta does bring in another centre-back next summer in order to add more bite, quality and competition to his defence.