Ezri Konsa did three things last season that even William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes couldn't at Arsenal
Arsenal are on the verge of signing Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa.
William Saliba and Jurrien Timber’s injuries pushed the Gunners into the market for another defender, and they were linked with several names.
The English defender was the top choice from the start, and on Wednesday, Arsenal struck a deal with Aston Villa to sign Konsa.
We understand the scepticism about the signing from some parts of the fan base, but these stats should convince everyone that he is a great addition to the side.
Ezri Konsa outshines William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes in three eye-catching stats
Ezri Konsa to Arsenal makes a lot of sense.
The defender is a full England international, Premier League-proven, can play as a centre-half and as a right-back, and is in the prime years of his career.
That should convince every Arsenal fan, but if it doesn’t, maybe these stats will.
Ezri Konsa is fast
Arsenal play a high line more often than not, so they need centre-backs who have the pace to get back and prevent teams from scoring through counterattacks.
William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are both very good at that, but Konsa might be even better.
No Arsenal centre-back recorded a top speed of over 33 kmph in the Premier League or Champions League last season. Konsa’s fastest recorded speed was 33.2 kmph.
Ezri Konsa can pass under pressure
One of Gabriel and Saliba’s best traits is their ability on the ball. Yes, they are great defenders, but they are also elite with their passing even when they are being pressed.
Konsa is even better.
Of all the players in the Premier League to complete at least 100 passes, Konsa had the best completion rate at 92.5 per cent. Nobody was better than him – not even Saliba or Gabriel.
Ezri Konsa is a duel-winning machine
Every Arsenal fan will tell you that Mikel Arteta loves winning duels, and when his players fail, he becomes very upset.
Saliba and Gabriel are both very good in their ground duels, but again, Konsa is better.
In the Premier League last season, Konsa won 73.1 per cent of his duels – more than any other player. Both Gabriel and Saliba’s success rates were under 70 per cent.
