Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand reveals how Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta can help Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang rediscover his lost form.
After a tough start to the season, the north Londoners have got back to winning ways after securing back-to-back victories against Norwich and Burnley. Aubameyang did score the winner against the Canaries, but that was his only goal in four league appearances this season.
The Gabon international was one of the Premier League’s top scorers in the 2019/20 season. However, he just scored ten league goals last campaign, which is a worrying statistic for a striker of his caliber.
It would be Arteta’s top priority to find a way to get the best out of the club captain, and Ferdinand thinks he can help the Spaniard with that task.
While speaking in the Vibe with FIVE podcast, the 42-year-old claimed Aubameyang is the best finisher Arteta has at his disposal, but his dip in form has been a result of the team’s inability to move the ball forward quicker. He also believes the former Borussia Dortmund players can be the difference-maker for the Emirates club this season. Ferdinand said:
“I love Aubameyang, I love him. I just think he’s a wicked finisher, but I don’t know if the club are playing to his strengths.
“They need to get the ball forward quicker. They get the ball forward quickly and set him off running free, and in full flow, he’s as good as most. He’s just an unbelievable finisher. When he’s smiling and he’s on form, he makes Arsenal a considerably better team.”
Arsenal Fever View:
The Gunners have the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Folarin Balogun coming through the ranks, but neither of them is experienced enough to lead the attack. Alexandre Lacazette does not seem to be a part of Arteta’s plans moving forward as his current contract expires at the end of this season, and there has been little progress in talks for renewing it.
This leaves Aubameyang as the only competent striker at Arsenal this season. Since signing that lucrative contract, he has been struggling to find his form, but it is to be noted that he was deployed as a left-winger for a major chunk of last season.
The 32-year-old’s electrifying pace can be better utilized when he plays as a center-forward. With talented creative midfielders like Martin Odegaard and Emile Smith Rowe behind him, there will be no shortage of goal-scoring opportunities. It is only a matter of time before the club captain hits the ground running this season.
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