The 'per game' stats can be a little deceptive given that at a club like Villarreal he's likely to face more attacks. And to flip the coin, it might also explain why his tackle success rate is lower. What the stats do kinda confirm is that he's definitely more of a Koscielny than a Mert, but we knew that anyway.

Jed wrote:

Ospina

Gabby - Kos

Le Coq - Ramsey

Alexis

New spine 2015?

I hope not.

Isn't a 57% percentage very low for a CB? What exactly would count as a failed tackle? Being dribbled past by?

The way I understand it he's been used a lot as a fullback on both flanks too. That might bring the stats down a bit.

Does that mean he's relatively quick for a CB?

otfgoon wrote:

The 'per game' stats can be a little deceptive given that at a club like Villarreal he's likely to face more attacks. And to flip the coin, it might also explain why his tackle success rate is lower. What the stats do kinda confirm is that he's definitely more of a Koscielny than a Mert, but we knew that anyway.

But they concede less. Hopefully he's part of the reason.

qs! wrote:

Does that mean he's relatively quick for a CB?

Looks pacy from highlights and its been mentioned about him in scouting reports.

He looks a pretty ancient 24 🙂

This should be confirmed tomorrow then?
Where's the drama in that?!

qs! wrote:

Does that mean he's relatively quick for a CB?

I think so, yeah. He's supposedly one of the quickest defenders in Spain.

described by those close to the Villarreal dressing room as obsessed with improving.

Ha - that's exactly what drew my attention as well, and I agree this would be key for Wengus.
Also good to know as I wasn't too impressed by vids I saw till now.

Why isn't this announced yet? seems like it was done days ago  :brow:

The media part (photoshoot, interview) was done yesterday, so you know we're waiting on the guys in the editing room. Probably announced today.

Reported as loan, i believe. But there's some interest in Spain for a permanent as well. Multiple clubs, most notably Real Sociedad wanted him, but Villareal insisted on a loan deal (probably with some kind of first refusal clause to buy) as part of the Gabriel deal.

Either way, i believe Joel will do really well in La Liga. Probably going to be the next Carlos Vela. I feel he will thrive in the environment over there, our disciplined passing ways never suited him. Always looked so uncomfortable whenever he had to play a combination play for us.

Oh, and everyone will moan at Wenger for letting him go once he puts in a few good performances. Most definitely.

Got a 1m euro loan fee as well.

See ya Joel. Barely would've played for the rest of the season any way, good luck.

Paulista looks like a potentially great signing. I foresee many overblown claims about rashness and poor judgement in the next couple of months as he beds down.

This is how I imagine the IT guys at arsenal.com :

They are always so late to put this things up.

Anyway, Welcome Paulista...

What a couple of days for the Arsenal community eh ? We get a new defender and we get ME on this site...good stuff.