Arsenal are off to a winning start for the 2024-25 Premier League, beating Wolves 2-0 at the Emirates thanks to goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka. The Gunners also kept a clean sheet in the process.
Arsenal ‘Invincible’ Lauren spoke to us about the personnel at Arsenal, especially the likes of Ben White, Gabriel Martinelli and the defensive pairing of Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba. He gave his take on their quality as well as what new signing Riccardo Calafiori will bring to the table.
Ben White is a top player but he needs to play for England to cement his status
English defender Ben White has been one of the most consistent right-backs in the Premier League for the last two seasons. As one of Arsenal’s iconic right-backs, Lauren appreciated White’s qualities but also said that he needs to play for his nation to solidify his status as one of the best in his position.
“Ben White didn’t play for the national team, and when you play for the national team more eyes will be on him. As an Arsenal fan I would like him to just play all the games for Arsenal, but it is an issue not playing for the national team.”
The Cameroonian then elaborated on White’s strengths, specifically mentioning his understanding with Bukayo Saka on the right and also White’s versatility.
“Last season he was brilliant, scoring goals and overlapping. The understanding between him and Saka is very good.
“He can also get into the middle because the system has changed. He is a complete player. He is a top player and he has been brilliant for Arsenal.”
Gabriel and Saliba are among the best defensive partnerships in the world
Lauren was also full of praise for Arsenal’s CB pairing of Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba, saying that they should be considered amongst the best pairings in the world, if they’re not the best.
“For sure, Saliba and Gabriel are among the best partnerships in the world. If they are not the best, they are among the best at least.”
The two-time Premier League winner also added that it is imperative that both of them stay healthy for the season as the Gunners really struggled in 2022-23 when Saliba had to miss games.
“They conceded 29 goals only, and they have improved a lot. Of course, it is not only about the defenders, but when we think about when Saliba was injured last year, Arsenal conceded more goals and lost more games.
“So it is important to have them week in week out and they have been absolutely brilliant.”
Expectations from Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber
Speaking of defensive rotations, Lauren gave his take on what to expect from new signing Riccardo Calafiori. The Arsenal hero expects the Italian defender to give competition to Oleksandr Zinchenko on the left but also sees him stepping up in central positions or even playing as a defensive midfielder.
“We saw Calafiori in the Euros and he is a very good player. He is composed with the ball and he can play different positions, both as a left back and a center back, and he can even play in the midfield. He is a very good asset in the team.
“I think he can give Zinchenko some competition. He can play that position, and it is a long season, where injuries can happen.
“As long as there is competition for the positions, it requires everyone to be on their toes, and each player will get their opportunity. He will be a good asset.”
On a similar note, Lauren raved about Jurrien Timber, pointing to his performances for Ajax and the pre-season he had with Arsenal in 2023-24. He believes that Timber was unfortunate to get injured and fully fit, he’ll be knocking on the doors for a starting berth in a very good defensive unit.
“Timber proved his credentials when he was at Ajax Amsterdam. He’s a very good player. Unfortunately for him, he got injured.
“I believe when he’s fit, he can play across all positions in defense, on the left, on the right. I saw him early on in the pre-season in 2023. He looked very comfortable with the ball, he can go forward with the ball. He’s a good asset for the team.”
Gabriel Martinelli is poised for a resurgence
Brazilian attacker Gabriel Martinelli was a shining light for Arsenal in 2022-23, scoring 15 goals in the Premier League and providing five assists. His numbers dropped in 2023-24, and he was dropped for Leandro Trossard.
Questions persist around his future but Lauren is of the belief that Martinelli did not have a bad season and he has the tools in his arsenal to be a solid contributor for the team. Lauren specifically points to transition situations where he sees Martinelli as being a key threat.
“First of all I don’t think Martinelli had a bad season. In the early stages, he was very good. Scored six goals in the league, two in the Champions League. He played a brilliant game against Sevilla in the Champions League.
“He’s a player, when you play away from home, against opponents who isolate you in your own half, you need Martinelli in order to go on quick transitions going forward. We’ve seen that many times, against Liverpool, against West Ham, against Chelsea. We’ve seen many instances of Martinelli scoring in transition.”
The 2003-04 PL winner then adds that Martinelli will have a lot of competition in the side and that is needed to raise the level of the team.
“I don’t think he had a bad season. Just in the middle and end of the season, Trossard was in better shape, scoring goals, moving between lines, connecting with Ødegaard and Declan Rice. Getting in position and scoring goals. This is what you need – competitiveness among the squad. Martinelli and Trossard have raised the level of the team and I have no doubt that they’ll continue to do so.
“Where does he have to improve? That’s something that Mikel Arteta can tell you (laughs)!”
