THREAD: The significance of versatility in modern day football! In this thread, I will provide my thoughts on how AMN and Saka are two key players for next season. RT's so more Gooners can see this thread would be mean a lot to me. Enjoy!

AMN: Certainly a player who has improved massively under MA. What he possesses is attributes that suits modern football. Athleticism, physicality, pace, composure on the ball e.c.t. These traits are a big reason as to why he can play multiple positions and allows us to adopt...

different systems in and out of possession. Going back to when MA first came in, he was tasked to play at RB because of the lack of available options. If you remember before lockdown, we predominately played with no recognised LB. This meant Saka had to play this position 'on

paper'. In order for Saka to flourish, MA tasked AMN to play the inverted role. The diagram below shows the formation we deployed when in possession against Bournemouth (MA's first game in charge). Xhaka would fill in at LB, which minimises Saka's defensive responsibilities,

allowing him to flourish offensively. AMN would tuck in to maintain the pivot since we were very left sided dominant.
MA instructed Niles to play this role to avoid overloads/easy transitions through the centre if possession was lost.The inverted FB role also benefits teams who

are looking to implement the style of 'playing out from the back. They provide a simple passing option which in turn sucks in opposing players, creates space for others and allows successful attacks to be built from deep. It was clear to me that there was a raise in AMN's...

performance levels. Positional awareness, defensive discipline, ability to deal with 1v1 situations were all aspects he improved hugely on out of possession. Very comfortable on the ball in possession, able to receive the ball from deep and remain calm when opposing players were

pressing. Standout displays were against Palace and Manchester United. Both Zaha and Rashford had minimal impact in the game because of AMN's presence. Post lockdown, we saw AMN play at RWB, LWB and CM. Against Sheffield United, he was tasked to play RWB. A huge problem we have..

seen this season is failing to implement a system and surrounding the right personal for Pepe to flourish. Far to frequently, Nico has been left isolated because of the lack of partnerships developed. He needs either an attacking midfielder to link with (e.g De Bruyne and Mahrez)

or a FB to link with (e.g TAA and Salah).AMN provided a great offensive performance in our FA cup quarter final win, always providing an overlapping option and creating width, which freed Pepe from isolation and gave him space to cause problems. Moving onto the LWB/CM role AMN

has predominantly been playing in post lockdown. Despite new roles for AMN, he yet again maintained good levels of consistency. When he was tasked to come on for Tierney against Wolves for the last 30 minutes, he ensured that Adama's threat would be kept at an absolute minimum. I

think the performances against City, Chelsea and Liverpool in the FA cup and Community Shield is where many started to change their opinions on AMN.He was tasked to play two roles both in and out of possession. In the two diagrams below, I am using our starting XI against Chelsea

in the cup final as an example to demonstrate my point. On the left, we deployed a 5-4-1 formation out of possession to nullify supply lines from out wide and minimise attacks coming through these areas. AMN would drop in a defensive wing back role. Once the impetus was down on

us to impose our game, we shifted to a 4-3-3 in transition (diagram on the right), with AMN creating a numerical advantage through midfield. Niles would play as the most advanced CM, driving with the ball, progressing the team forward, occupying players and creating space for....

others. In all three games against City, Chelsea and Liverpool, his level of consistency in both roles as a wing back and CM was outstanding. There is a reason why MA is playing him in these high octane competitive games. He knows that he can do a job for the team. A MOTM display

in the community shield earned him a much deserved England call up. So under MA, we have seen AMN play RWB,RB,LWB and CM. The versatility is so attractive and a reason why the coach wants to keep him. Rumours surfacing that HB could be on his way out.The rise in HB's performances

in recent weeks has been encouraging. Perhaps he is finally recovering from the ACL injury, hence the increase in his pace. But we have to remember that MA has spoke about how harsh decisions may have to be made. With HB, injuries have hampered his progress and there is...

uncertainty as to whether he can remain fit. Under MA, both FBs must be able to play as conventional and inverted ones. AMN has shown he can play both roles. Ideally I would like to keep HB, but I do have confidence that AMN can fulfil the role if we do decide to move HB on.

SAKA: Our other versatile player is of course the exciting teenage sensation, Bukayo Saka. A player who has provided us with outstanding, consistent performances no matter where he has been tasked to play. His best position for me is LW. Taking players on, creating width and

delivering consistent quality in his final ball are descriptions you could use when analysing his performance in this role. Standout display was his MOTM performance away at Frankfurt. We've also seen Saka deputise at 'LB'. Although Xhaka was predominantly tasked to play here,

Saka was still instructed to provide the desired effort and intensity when we didn't have the ball.
Under Freddie, there were a few games where we shifted to a 343 system, with Saka deployed as a LWB. Again, he showed great maturity and was able to transition his levels of

consistency in positions that he wasn't familiar with. Standout display in this role was his performance against Standard Liege, where his influence in the game was apparent (A goal and an assist). His versatility doesn't stop there though. Many games post lockdown, our no.7 has

impressed when instructed to play on the right side of the attack. Leicester at home and, most recently in the community shield, are examples of where he has influenced the game here. Against Brighton, we also saw Bukayo feature at LCM, with a promising display. I do believe

that he could perform well in midfield. A very good ball carrier and has the ability to progress the team forward. His 10 assists in all competitions last season shows his ability as a creator. Would obviously need to be further refined and polished, but the potential to play in

midfield is there.

Bayern and Liverpool are clubs who brilliantly have exploited the versatility of JK and JM. Both integral players and provide them with great flexibility.

We have two exciting versatile players at our disposal and are vital assets. Hope you enjoyed the read!