Why Francis Coquelin Is Not the Answer to Arsenal's Midfield Problems

Francis Coquelin’s tenacious performance against Southampton was one of few positives on a disappointing day for Arsenal. However, Arsene Wenger must not allow himself to get carried away: the French midfielder is not the long-term solution to Arsenal’s problems in that area.

Coquelin’s robust style has endeared him to Gunners fans. Unusually for a player forged in the Arsenal academy, he seems to relish the nitty-gritty of the game. According to Squawka, he made seven successful tackles at St. Mary’s—the highest on the Arsenal team by some distance. As if to emphasise the contrast in style, Coquelin’s midfield partner Calum Chambers did not attempt a single tackle.

Coquelin tackles vs. Southampton | via Squawka.com

Those numbers are reflected across Coquelin’s five Premier League appearances this season. The Frenchman has been successful with 61 percent of his attempted tackles. Mathieu Flamini can only boast a success rate of 45 percent, with Mikel Arteta coming in at just 38 percent. 

His physical style makes him distinct among the Arsenal squad, and that has led to some fans suggesting he should keep his place when Arteta and Flamini return. They may have a case, but that does not mean Arsenal’s hunt for a new defensive midfielder is over. Coquelin might be a quick fix, but there are surely superior players out there for the longer term.

Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

Until a couple of weeks ago, it appeared as if Coquelin was heading rapidly towards the exit door at the Emirates Stadium. After spending last season on loan with German side Freiburg, he was sent for another temporary spell at Championship side Charlton. It was the third loan move of his career. That’s not a good sign; when Wenger really believes in a talent, he tends to keep them under his tutelage.

Coquelin is regarded as a young player, but he will turn 24 before the end of this season. The suspicion persists that if he was going to make it in Arsenal’s first team, it would have happened long before now. 

Speaking to Arsenal.com prior to the Southampton match, Wenger urged a measure of caution:

"

I believe he has the potential but he has played one game, so it is a bit early to judge that. He will make a career and hopefully he will make it here. I want to give him credit because he kept his work rate and focus in training at a very high level when he didn’t play. Then he went to Charlton and had a very good spell there as well.

"

A good spell in the Championship is not enough to suggest he will thrive in the Champions League. 

Instead of anointing Coquelin as the new de facto defensive midfielder at Arsenal, Wenger should instead use him as a template for identifying a new man. He requires a composite player: someone who shares Coquelin’s strength in the tackle, but also has some of Arteta’s positional intelligence and ability on the ball. 

Coquelin may not be the ultimate answer to Arsenal’s midfield struggles, but he’s certainly a step in the right direction. Gunners fans will hope Wenger sees what his physicality offers the side, and seeks to emulate it with a top-class arrival this January.

*Unless otherwise stated, all stats are via Squawka.

James McNicholas is Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and is following the club from a London base throughout the 2014-15 season. Follow him on Twitter here.