Aaron Boyle 💚

Some tactical points that I have with Julian Alvarez's rumoured move to #AFC. Some concerns, some positives... My main concern is that I don’t see #Alvarez working particularly well as a lone 9 in the Premier League. He performed well as a second striker alongside Haaland, but he was far less convincing whenever Haaland was absent. Against low blocks in the PL, he would tend to get bullied. He lacks the frame and strength to consistently pin CBs, which would also take away the long-ball option we regularly use with Gyok and Kai. When Alvarez struggles physically, he tends to drop extremely deep searching for possession, which would leave us without any real box presence. There are tactical solutions, but each comes with another question. As a F9, he could overload midfield and help create a box midfield. However, both he and Calafiori naturally gravitate towards the LHS, so I’m unsure how that relationship would work without hindering one of them. You could also use third-man combinations and runners beyond Alvarez, but we don’t have enough consistent in-behind runner profiles. Saka and Tzolis are much better between the lines, we’re selling Nelli, and Madueke is too inconsistent in terms of final third product. A double #10 system could suit Alvarez brilliantly, but IMO, only with Rice starting as the 6. I don’t think MLS, Zubi or Bruno G have the physicality or recovery pace to defend transitions alone. Personally, I think Alvarez would be at his best alongside a focal nine who pins the CBs and creates space in Zone 14 for him to attack. The major positive would be our counterpressing. Alvarez and Ode are both elite pressers, so playing them together would make us even more aggressive in the final third. This could also protect a less mobile 6 (MLS, Zubi and Bruno G) as the counter pressing could force quick actions and clearances from the opposition allowing transitions for us. I understand the appeal and can see several ways of using him, but I’m not convinced he solves what we actually need from our lone nine. Him as a LW however could work. Although he would hinder Calafiori. They both would occupy the same area (LHS) so I think it would have to be alongside Hincapie who is comfortable bombing down the left touchline. It could work alongside Calafiori if Alvarez hugs the touchline. It isn't in either of their tendencies so I doubt that this would happen. In the UCL. He will be particularly dangerous as he always tends to excel in open game situations with a bit more space to operate. He can drop deep, dragging a CB, circulate and then drive forward as play progresses and ultimately finish in the box. His shooting range and style of shot is also extremely versatile. He possesses a strong weak foot too. Fabrizio stated that Julian is definitely not moving to Barca this summer so it seems we are the only club in for him. There is no doubting that he is a level raiser for our side. It will be interesting to see how he is utilised if he does join for the reported 130-150m. I have my concerns but I am more than happy to be proved wrong. I am slightly on the fence with this signing. Thoughts Arsenal fans?