Gilberto Silva: Why Francis Coquelin could never replace me at Arsenal

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Former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva suggests Francis Coquelin did not have what it takes to replace him at the Gunners.

Silva arrived in north London after the 2002 World Cup and established himself as an integral part of Arsenal’s “Invincibles” side which won the league in 2004. NaijaBet.com

The midfielder played selflessly in front of the Gunners’ back four where he provided coverage to the team’s forwards.

The Brazilian played for Arsenal for six years and even captained the side before he moved to Panathinaikos in 2008.

Arsene Wenger’s replacements in the role have yet to replicate the standards set by Silva. NaijaBet.com

The closest a player came to filling his boots was arguably Coquelin who showed promise in 2015, but failed to maintain the level of his initial performances and was sold to Valencia in January.

Coquelin’s failure at Arsenal has prompted Silva to defend the Frenchman in a way, stating there was simply something missing from his game to succeed as a holding midfielder, despite his efforts.

“I remember hearing a comparison with Coquelin when he was playing but when I started to see him I could see there was something missing in his game to be a holding midfielder and sacrifice himself for the team,” he said, via the Evening Standard.

“You cannot blame the player for this but need to find a player who can play there.”

When asked what players he believed were closest to really to making their mark at Arsenal in the holding midfield role, Silva added: “I thought Alex Song could have been the one to do this role but he went to West Ham and Barcelona. NaijaBet.com

“Flamini in my last season he did a great job which is why I didn’t play, which was very frustrating for me.

“I think those two are the best.”

10 years without a replacement

Arsenal have had no trouble with keeping the ball this season. On average, the Gunners succeed in retaining 57% of the possession in their games, – though it’s when they don’t have the ball that the problems start.

The Gunners have conceded 41 goals this season, the most in the top six and even more than the amount that 12th-place Newcastle have let in this season. NaijaBet.com

Signing a player in the summer who plays similarly to Silva or his compatriot Fernandinho at Manchester City could provide Arsenal with the glue they so badly need in their team.