Arsenal were on the verge of signing Dries Mertens back last year, before we thankfully found Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. If not for him we would have been seeing Alex Lacazette and Dries Mertens together Gunning for glory. But since, the aforementioned statement is just a virtuality, let’s talk about something real!
Two equally talented forwards with parallel skills are likely to meet each other when Arsenal face Napoli in Europa League quarter-finals.
Will it be Mertens experience or Lacazette’s prime form that will get better of either!
Alexandre Lacazette
We finally have found ourselves a player to depend on dying situations, someone to bring us out of the dump and shower us with win.
The meteoric rise to prominence of Lacazette has been largely die to his camaraderie with Gabonese partner Aubameyang. The reason for Arsenal’s top four spot is also in a way because of Lacazette being top assist provider for Gunners. The Frenchman has developed individually getting into the box as more employed player both with and without the ball.
The 27-year-old has become so much important and deadly for Arsenal that his presence in the box creates and enigma of fear for opposition’s defence. His key passes inside the box will only have to deal with well-trained Napoli’s defence this time, making it tougher and only better for the Frenchman.
The defensive contribution of this guy has been more than applaudable. Let’s hope that Lacazette plays as good for the team with Aubameyang combined, finishing the goals when needed and assisting when required.
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Dries Mertens
The like of Mertens in Naples squad provides them with agility and well-equipped goal-scoring forward who fits the bill of threat perfectly. Much like Alexis Sanchez that we had, we all know how dangerous Mertens can be.
Along with his attacking contributions, Mertens is also a threat when it comes to his defensive aptitude of scaring the forwards from behind. From the last 6 years Mertens have become so important so good for Naples that stopping him has become our primary concern.
The 31-year-old versatile midfielder, Mertens can score from either foot or even scare you with his runs inside the box. The Belgian international is strong in every aspect you want him to be and as an Arsenal fan you don’t want him to be.
Be it his through balls to his partners or key passes in crucial moments, the player can scam you with all. Even his long shots and finishing abilities will be tough for our hefty Leno to stop. Not to forget his crosses that may turn out to be crucial for his team in set-pieces or game play.
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