Kolasinac can ‘adapt to both’ defensive systems

Arsene Wenger says new signing Sead Kolasinac is versatile enough to adapt to any change in formation.

According to Wenger the Bosnia international can be deployed either as a left-back in a traditional four man defence or is comfortable operating as the left-sided centre-back in a three – similar to Nacho Monreal.

Speaking to Arsenal.com in Sydney about the 24-year-old, Wenger also touched on the player’s physical presence noting:

“Kolasinac is a powerful player who can play on the flank and can create good chances for his partners.

“He’s strong in the challenge and has a very strong body as well. He’s very committed, very focused, and is very versatile as well. He plays centre back in a three, he can play wing-back in a three, so he covers us centrally and wide.

“He can play in a four as well as a full back. Overall, the fact that we played a little bit of a different system [doesn’t matter because] I believe he’s adaptable. He can adapt to both systems.”

Kolasinac is expected to play a part in the Gunners second pre-season friendly against Western Sydney Wanderers later today. We should also get another glimpse of Alexandre Lacazette, who is another versatile option according to the boss.

“He is a player who has the style of play that we want to play,” he said.

“His technical ability, his capacity to combine with other players around the box… He’s not only a goalscorer, he can also provide. We want to play our football based on movement and he has that kind of quality.

“We are a team where pace plays a big part, and the modern game demands a lot of pace in transition from defence to offense. The quality of the runs are vital in that kind of game. The quality of his finishing is also absolutely exceptional. That’s of course important.”