Arsenal confirmed the first signing of the Unai Emery era as they announced the capture of the vastly experienced Stephan Lichtsteiner on a free transfer on Tuesday. The Swiss departs Juventus after seven successful years in Turin having landed a Scudetto winners’ medal in every season in Italy for the reigning champions.
Emery will hope the 34-year-old can bring the same winning mentality and experience to Arsenal as a new period in the club’s career starts. Indeed he was on the losing side just 13 times in the 174 Serie A matches he started during his time with the Old Lady with Lichtsteiner very much an able performer when called upon.
In the past, the Gunners would unlikely have considered a move for a player his age, yet for an Emery managed side, a robust player of his calibre is key. Under the Spaniard, it’s likely Arsenal won’t be as aesthetically pleasing as they once were, but they’ll certainly be tougher to break down and Lichtsteiner will be key to that.
What’s more, the Switzerland captain will, at long last, provide sufficient competition for a starting spot in Emery’s favoured 4-2-3-1 formation. At present, the only out and out right-back available to Emery is Hector Bellerin and a lack of competition for a starting spot has seen the Spaniard’s development stall.
By resting on his laurels, his career has stunted somewhat and an experienced head in the same position will likely aid the 23-year-old in his bid to return to his best. Not only will his presence benefit Bellerin, but will have a positive impact on compatriot Granit Xhaka, who’ll likely look to Lichtsteiner as inspiration.
“Stephan brings huge experience and leadership to our squad. He’s a player with great quality with a very positive and determined attitude. Stephan will improve us on and off the pitch,” Emery said in the wake of Lichtsteiner’s arrival at the Emirates Stadium with the former trait a huge asset in an Arsenal squad going through a big change.
On the back of Per Mertesacker’s retirement and with Laurent Koscielny sidelined until later in the year with an Achilles issue, Lichtsteiner’s experience is a precious commodity that can’t be underestimated. The right-back will demand nothing but the best and is exactly the type of player Arsenal need. He won’t pull up any trees in north London, but Arsenal are acquiring a defender who is both versatile, which will allow Emery to play a four-man or three-man backline, and reliable.
Lichtsteiner is a solid addition to the Gunners defence as they look to make a return to the Champions League. Having won a total of 14 trophies during his time with Juventus, Arsenal have themselves a born winner, which can only be a good thing for the team. Emery’s appointment may have been viewed as the safe option, but in Lichtsteiner, the north London side have landed a assuring defender who will only boost the squad both on and off the pitch.
