There is a very important position to fill this upcoming window, and that’s the backup left-back spot. Every time Kieran Tierney is not available, the team suffers an immense blow. In these past few months, we have seen how big of a mistake it was not to sign a replacement for Sead Kolasinac.
Arteta has had to play Cedric in that position, and it has not looked natural. So, one of the priorities for Edu and Arteta is to find Tierney’s understudy. The latest name linked to Arsenal is Josh Doig, Hibernian’s 19-year-old. He is not only being followed by us, however. The likes of Manchester City, Leicester City, and Leeds United.
To be honest, Doig has been very impressive this season. One of his best performances this year came against the Scottish Champions, Rangers. He was named Man of the Match in that game. In the next few paragraphs, I will be analyzing his game and determining if Arsenal should make a move for him. So, here we go!
Physical Traits
Standing at 1.89m tall, Doig is not the normal full-back. In fact, very few have the physical ability to play in that position with that height. Surprisingly quick, and with an obvious ability in the air due to his height advantage, he will have no problems in translating his game into the Premier League. Weighing in at 71 kg, he will have to add some mass but that can definitely be worked on.
Defending
Let’s compare his numbers to other possible targets.
Doig averages 1.7 tackles per game. In comparison to Patrick Van Aanholt (1.4 per game), Ryan Bertrand (2.0 per game) and Jordan Amavi (1.2 per game), he is well-positioned in this important category.
In terms of interceptions, there is a lot of work to do, if you consider that to be important. Doig averages 0.7 per game, his closest competitor being Van Aanholt with 1.1 per game, followed by Bertrand with 1.3 per game. In a category of his own, Jordan Amavi averages an impressive 2.3 per game.
Finally, let’s look at fouls committed per game. Quite impressively, Doig leads this category with 0.5 fouls per game. Being closely followed by PVA with 0.6, Ryan Bertrand with 1.0 and Amavi with 1.2.
Given the number of tackles the Scotsman makes, it is rather promising that he such a little foul per game average. It’s an indication that he is a solid defender.
Attacking
One of the most important stats when judging full-backs is their key passes per game, so let’s get right into it.
Josh Doig is providing 0.5 key passes per game, while PVA is slightly above with 0.6. However, the 19-year-old has a superior number to Premier League veteran, Ryan Bertrand who provides 0.4. Jordan Amavi is tied with a 0.5 of his own.
In another interesting stat, Doig averages 0.5 dribbles per game. The same numbers being put by PVA, and considerably higher than Bertrand (0.1) and slightly overshadowed by Amavi with 0.8.
Verdict
Although the numbers are quite similar, there is one key factor here. Josh Doig is a 19-year-old averaging the same numbers as veterans. The likes of Ryan Bertrand and Patrick Van Aanholt are already in the wrong side of thirty and that could be something the club look into when making their final decision.
Jordan Amavi is an interesting case, however, The Frenchman who has played in the Premier League before with Aston Villa, will probably want guaranteed minutes as he is in the prime of his career.
In my opinion, due to potential and fit, Josh Doig should be Arsenal’s target this summer.
See you next week! Let me know who you would go for in the comments below: