When it comes to the World Cup, many Arsenal players made it into the deeper stages of the tournament with their national squads as preparations for the next season begins. With a few high profile reinforcements, Arsene Wenger will need to prepare himself for competition for places, especially in the more midfield positions.
It could look like a successful spell for the Gunner’s players upon their return as a few of their German players were able to celebrate victory. Some players look highly likely to retain their first team spots, while others will need to prove themselves after their international displays.
We take a look at SIX Arsenal players affected by their World Cup display…
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CLICK ON THOMAS VERMAELEN TO SEE THE FULL LIST!
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Laurent Koscielny (France – Centre Back)
Laurent Koscielny had a very good World Cup run with his France squad, reaching the quarter-finals before being knocked out by eventual champions Germany. He made two starts as was brought on an additional two times, but managed to prevent his opponents scoring on both his matches where he played the full 90 minutes.
The 28-year-old has already secured his place in Arsene Wenger’s first team and without any news of another defender being brought in; it looks as though that will remain unchanged. Although he began his career with the Gunners under heavy criticism, he somehow overcame that and became an outstanding centre-back.
In competition with: Per Mertesacker, Thomas Vermaelen
What he’s capable of:
//www.youtube.com/embed/veUpusHqpoU
Mathieu Debuchy (France – Right Back)
Mathieu Debuchy is another French star that played exceptionally well throughout the World Cup and was gifted with a move from Newcastle to join Arsenal recently. He featured in four out of five matches for his nation, playing all 90 minutes.
Statistically, Debuchy was regarded as one of the best right backs in the English Premier League last season and would surely be given the starting berth since the departure of Bacary Sagna. He will now once again get to prove himself in the Champions League with his new side.
In competition with: Carl Jenkinson
What he’s capable of:
//www.youtube.com/embed/hx1Azl45VfE
Olivier Giroud (France – Striker)
Olivier Giroud didn’t get the amount of starts he would prefer but still managed to bag himself one goal and one assist in his two starts. Although he played back up to Karim Benzema, his performance showed he still has the ability to score after netting 16 in 36 for Arsenal the previous season.
With Arsene Wenger playing down his team’s attempt to sign another all out striker ahead of the upcoming campaign, Giroud’s place in the starting 11 looks safe. The arrival of Alexis Sanchez could be a threat if Wenger decides to play him out of his normal winger role in a more central position, but it looks likely that the pair will be deployed to play together.
In competition with: Alexis Sanchez, Yaya Sanago, Lukas Podolski, Theo Walcott
What he’s capable of:
//www.youtube.com/embed/TKQra2IP8Zg
Mesut Ozil (Germany – Attacking Midfielder, Right/Left/Centre)
Mesut Ozil had a great World Cup run, featuring in all of his nations matches while being able to score one and produce another. Although many believe he wasn’t playing at his best, the Germany manager always seemed to have kept faith in him. Winning the entire tournament is another added boost to his credentials.
Although Arsene Wenger boasts a very talented midfield, Ozil’s place in the team looks rather concrete as he looks to add to his five goals nine assist tally from 26 appearances the previous season. He might not have had the best season last time around, but this upcoming campaign could see him produce a lot more.
In competition with: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Aaron Ramsey, Tomas Rosicky, Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere, Alexis Sanchez, Theo Walcott, Lukas Podolski
What he’s capable of:
//www.youtube.com/embed/In72-RbBa2I
Per Mertesacker (Germany – Centre Back)
Per Mertesacker continued is composed form at the back for his national, appearing in five of his Germany matches plus coming on for the last few seconds of the final against Argentina. He managed to keep his opponent from scoring in two of his of his two 90 minute showings.
Without any real competition for places in the Arsenal defence, it looks highly likely that Arsene Wenger will pick Mertesacker to retain his place at the heart of his back line. In addition to that, it is also looking likely that Thomas Vermaelen will be departing elsewhere, leaving no other real centre-back other than his usual pairing of Laurent Koscielny.
In competition with: Laurent Koscielny, Thomas Vermaelen
What he’s capable of:
//www.youtube.com/embed/dNpSLtClIGE
Thomas Vermaelen (Belgium – Centre Back, Left Back)
Thomas Vermaelen’s days as an Arsenal player seems rather limited and his showing at the World Cup won’t aid his bids to retain his first team slot. Having only played 31 minutes the entire tournament, his national team display isn’t looking too different from his club showing.
It is quite likely that Arsene Wenger will continue to keep his two starting centre-backs from the previous season as he prepares to see Vermaelen leave the side, probably to Manchester United, who are heavily linked with the Belgium defender.
In competition with: Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker
What he’s capable of:
//www.youtube.com/embed/QTJyWnQbLkQ