5 clubs who lack squad depth in the top 5 European leagues
Team sports in the 21st century has become more competitive than ever. The fine line between having a successful season and a mediocre one depend on various factors. There is a continuous and comprehensive evaluation of the players abilities both physical and mental by specialized experts going on behind the scenes and it all comes down to one or two parameters. These are used by scouts to recruit players to fill that gap in their squad.
Yes, recruitment has become so important that it is often considered directly proportional to the success of any team. Recruitment of a team, covering for injuries and other unforeseen situation is integral, and thus the buzzword “squad depth”. When your star players are struck down by injury or suffer a loss of form, teams often do not have the luxury of like-for-like replacements, which often take their season on a downward spiral.
Today we look at 5 football teams who really lack squad depth.
#1 Arsenal
The pride of north London and probably the most consistent team in the English Premier League since its inception, their inclusion in this list might come as a shock to most people. There’s a common saying in sports, “flatter to deceive” and Arsenal football club fans, would be the perfect description of your team.
Their push for the title seems to fall apart come the final third of their campaign. While many might say it’s pressure or mental grit, the writing on the wall is in plain sight. Too many injuries in a paper thin squad cost them dearly time and again.
Yet again for the 2016-2017 season, the squad looks bleak. While Mr.Wenger has an abundance of quality at the centre of the park, the lack of strikers, wingers and centre-halves are worrying signs. With Danny Welbeck ruled out for a first few months, It leaves Arsenal with Olivier Giroud as the lone striker which is definitely not enough for a club challenging for the title.
The most worrying part though is at central defence where Arsene should look to strengthen with experienced (and aging) Per Mertesacker likely out for up to five months and Laurent Koscielny the only reliable options. The Brazilian, Gabriel Paulista is skillful but erratic and unreliable (remember Diego Costa).
If Arsenal really want to be win silverware this season be it domestically or in Europe Arsene Wenger would definitely have to splash the cash and strengthen in these positions.