Football stats expert Ben McAleer takes a look at Arsenal’s £2.5m summer signing, Rob Holding
While there was an unlikely hero in Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Leicester on Wednesday night, there was a now-household name missing from the starting XI at the Emirates.
When the team sheets were released, many questioned Arsene Wenger’s decision to drop Rob Holding. The Frenchman stated after the hard-fought victory that the 21-year-old defender was being rested having played the full 120 minutes in the Gunners’ FA Cup win over Manchester City on Sunday.
He undeniably deserved the midweek break having excelled at Wembley as Arsenal secured a spot in their third FA Cup final in the last four years.
Holding’s promotion from peripheral youngster to first-team star comes as little shock considering Wenger’s decision to revert to a three-man defence in recent weeks. He enjoyed spells in a three at the back system during his time with Bolton prior to his move to the Emirates, so his experience, despite his age, in the role was pivotal in a smooth transition in defence.
Wenger’s side have been far from their fluid selves, but after a disappointing run of form solidification at the back was crucial – a process in which Holding has helped tremendously. Having endured something of a nightmare debut for the Gunners – starting alongside Calum Chambers in the heart of defence for the opening weekend 4-3 defeat to Liverpool – Holding has churned out notable showings where required, particularly in the FA Cup.
Having been acquired for just £2.5m, his arrival certainly didn’t rip up any trees amongst the Arsenal fanbase, who were demanding the club spend big to improve at the back.
While they eventually did invest heavily in Shkodran Mustafi, Holding has quietly gone about his business when needed.
“You should be happy, he is English and 20 years old. I am sorry he didn’t cost £55 million, so he can’t be good,” Wenger said of Holding following an assured display in the 0-0 draw with Leicester earlier in the season, a retort that will undeniably be referred to every time the youngster has another good game at the back.
What stands out in Holding’s game has been his calm, measured approach to defending – a trait vital in modern football. While there remains a place for last-ditch, crunching challenges from a centre-back in football, Holding brings an air of composure to the defence; he prefers to rely on his sound positional sense to ease pressure on the Arsenal goal, with the aggressive defending left to likes of Mustafi or Gabriel.
Holding has also proven himself a defender more than capable in possession of the ball.
With the onus now on centre-backs to bring the ball forward and play out from the back, he is one who doesn’t shirk these duties and is able to aid Arsenal’s attempts to retain possession. This was clear for all to see in Arsenal’s 4-1 win over FC Basel back in December, when Holding’s pass success rate (91.4%) was the third best of all starters and his 70 passes the fourth highest of every player in the Champions League tie – his first match in Europe’s elite club competition.
At such a young age, there is still a long way to go before Holding realises his potential, but he been a breath of fresh air in an Arsenal side that needed a shake up. Having been left out of the match day squad for the victory over Leicester, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see Holding return to the XI for Sunday’s north London derby.
Given his form when called upon, it is the least the 21-year-old deserves.