It was pleasing to see Bacary Sagna put in his best performance of the season against Sunderland at the weekend. Pleasing, but perhaps not surprising.
Up until now, Bacary Sagna has been one of the more disappointing performers of Arsenal’s season. Lifeless displays in the right-back position. A lack of effort, careless mistakes, ineffective crosses.
For a player who had earned himself the nickname ‘Mr Consistent’, it was a shocking dip in form that had Arsenal fans questioning his long-term future. Before this season, Sagna was a regular in the Premier League ‘team of the season’ and probably the best right-back in the League.
But following two leg-breaks in one season (that’s just bad luck!) he’s not even one of the top ten best. Two injuries on this scale were obviously going to reek havoc with his form, but because of his current contract negotiations, it couldn’t have come at a worst time.
According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal are already looking at potential transfer targets, after Sagna refused to sign a contract extension. The club are thought to be offering to keep the player on his current terms – £60k-a-week, whilst the Frenchman is keen to agree an improved deal.
He feels he is owed more money for the services, loyalty and consistency he is showed over the years. Unfortunately, his performances this season will make it difficult for Arsenal to justify a pay bump.
But Sagna may just have turned the corner with his performance against Sunderland. I noted earlier that it didn’t surprise me – that’s because Sagna was deployed as a makeshift centre-back after Laurent Koscielny picked up an injury in the warm-up. This position seems to fit the aging Sagna down to a tee.
His aging, mangled legs don’t get overworked. He’s always been good at reading the game and taking up smart positions, so by utilising these qualities, he fits in nicely. There’s no need to exert effort running up and down the flanks. Most of all, however, it allows Sagna to show his leadership qualities. At his best, Sagna is a passionate, powerful footballer who sticks up for his team-mates and doesn’t take crap from opposition players.
He’s strong, he’s physical and he’s a good in the air. All qualities that are becoming of a centre-back. As his legs slowly go, I wouldn’t be surprised if he was employed increasingly as centre-back. And if he continues to show this level of versatility, he may well be due the pay-rise he is holding out for.
What’s your take? Is Bacary Sagna ready for a late-career position switch?
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Interesting idea but, like Gary Nevile, probably not quite big enough for CB…however, he might make an outstanding, disciplined DM in his last few years…