I used data to help fix Arsenal's midfield issues

Finding an Aaron Ramsey replacement. A Thread:

Before we establish and recommend replacements, we should look at what Ramsey offered.

His role was important, if not vital, to the success of the team as a unit; offering goals and assists, whilst supporting in defence.

Because he was quite complete, we'll look at his stats on a category-by-category basis, with the first category being shooting.

Ramsey's shooting in 17/18:
- 0.34 Non-penalty Goals p90
- 0.27 Non-penalty xG p90
- 1.12 Shots on target p90
- 0.10 xG/Shot

Very influential.

Scoring was likely Ramsey standout attribute, so this set of stats would be unrealistic for most players to match. But taking them into account, an optimistic filter to look for a replacement could be:

- 0.19+ Non-penalty xG p90
- 0.75+ Shots on target p90
- 0.10+ xG/Shot

If we filter for U24 midfielders based on the criteria we set, 9 names are found in the top 5 leagues. Some well-known players there being:

- Kai Havertz
- Mason Mount
- Dele Alli

With players such as John McGinn just missing out.

Ramsey wasn't just a 'poacher' though, he did his fair share of work during the build-up, connecting the dots all over the pitch. During the course of 17/18, Ramsey had:

- 5.76 Progressive passes p90
- 5.27 passes into the final 3rd p90
- 83% pass completion

Tidy.

Taking this into account, a potential filter to search for a replacement midfielder could be:

- 3+ Progressive passes p90
- 3+ Passes into the final 3rd p90
- 79%+ Pass completion

If we look for U24 midfielders based on the criteria we set, it narrows down the previous 9 names to 7, being:

- Kai Havertz
- Florian Neuhaus
- Todd Cantwell
- Mason Mount
- Angelo Fulgini
- Lorenzo Pellegrini
- Suat Serdar

Ramsey's final ball was effective as well, he was able to create chances for his teammates with ease, and in 17/18 he had:

- 1.8 Passes into the penalty area p90
- 1.41 Key passes p90
- 2.87 Shots created p90
- 0.24 xA p90

That being said, a potential filter to search for a replacement midfielder could be:

- 1.0+ Passes into the penalty area p90
- 1.0+ Key passes per game
- 2.0+ Shots created p90
- 0.13+ xA p90

If we look for U24 midfielders based on the criteria we set, it narrows down the previous 7 names to 4. Meaning we say goodbye to the likes of Todd Cantwell and Florian Neuhaus in the search for our Ramsey replacement.

Ramsey was also a hard worker in defence, covering ground and winning the ball back ceaselessly. although his tackling numbers weren't as good towards the end of his tenure, in 17/18 he still had:

- 1.14 Successful Takes p90
- 1.22 Interceptions p90
- 15 Pressures p90

Dynamic.

Again, taking his stats into account, a potential filter to search for this replacement midfielder could be:

- 0.75+ Successful Takes p90
- 0.75+ Interceptions
- 15+ Pressures p90

If we filter for midfielders based on this criteria, it narrows down the previous 4 names to just 1, meaning, Kai Havertz, Mason Mount and Angelo Fulgini all stumble at this hurdle. With the former two probably being unrealistic aims for a financially challenged Arsenal anyways.

RANKINGS:

- Based on the categories discussed above, along with the viability of each transfer and other factors such as experience etc
- Honorable mentions will be given for notable players who missed out

Honourable mention: Dominik Szoboszlai

Unfortunately, my dataset didn't include players from the Austrian Bundesliga, but Szoboszlai would undoubtedly perform well in all of the metrics if it did. External stats show a very good player, who is ready for a step up.

Honourable mention: Van De Beek

Although he would be a very expensive purchase, Van De Beek shows maturity and decision-making much above his years, with incredible stats to back it up. A like-for like replacement.

3nd Place: Todd Cantwell

Even though he didn’t top all the metrics, his quality, technique and end product at only 20, along with premier league experience, mean Todd Cantwell would be a signing for any big club to strongly consider, especially Arsenal.

2nd Place: Florian Neuhaus

Although his performances are still growing in consistency, Neuhaus' numbers show a player who is improving year on year. His goalscoring numbers particularly surprised me, performing at a high level for 2 years in a row in this regard.

1st Place: Lorenzo Pellegrini

Even with his goalscoring slightly regressing this season, Pellegrini shown immense creativity and intelligence over the last 3 seasons, putting up top-level numbers in the process. Its no surprise that he topped the charts.

Thanks for reading

RT’s etc appreciated