Arsenal fear Chukwueze's speed and dribbling ability could expose makeshift left-back Xhaka

Published: May 06, 2021

Arsenal are wary of the threat posed by Samuel Chukwueze ahead of their Europa League semifinal second leg meeting against Villarreal at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday night.

With doubts over the availability of first-choice left-back Kieran Tierney though the Scotland international was spotted in training on Wednesday, manager Mikel Arteta could be forced to utilize Granit Xhaka at left-back, just as he did during the first leg at the Estadio de la Cerámica.

Chukwueze, who is left-footed, is brilliant in performing the role of an inverted winger for club and country and could be set for another individual duel with Xhaka if Tierney is not passed fit to start.

The stats would suggest that the Villarreal number 11 lost the battle in terms of the head-to-head numbers against the Swiss in the first leg but he was more decisive especially in the second half when he found pockets of space to operate in after Ceballos and Capoue were sent off.

Last Thursday, Villarreal drew first blood in the fourth minute when Chukwueze cut inside, and although he was dispossessed, the ball dropped for Trigueros who fired past goalkeeper Leno.

Writing on their Matchday Programme, 'Scouting Report', Arsenal stated : "The right-sided role will be played by Samuel Chukwueze, whose trickery contributed to the opening goal, and Arsenal need to avoid makeshift left-back
Granit Xhaka being exposed to his speed and dribbling ability".

After ten appearances in this season's Europa League, Chukwueze has averaged 2.5 dribbles per game and has four assists to his name.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : villarrealcf.com

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