In what must be considered Monreal’s best season for the Gunners to date, we look at how he made it into Arsenal’s starting XI, and VAVEL's Arsenal Team Of the Season.
Monreal initially arrived at Arsenal in January of 2013 from Spanish club Málaga, the fee was undisclosed, but believed to be in the region of £8.3 million. He followed fellow Spaniard Santi Cazorla from the Spanish outfit, however, unlike Cazorla who went straight into the first team, Monreal was confined to the bench for the majority of his first season in English football with Kieran Gibbs continuing as first choice left-back.
Monreal came into harsh criticism during his first full season with Arsenal during the 2013/2014 season, often criticised for simple mistakes Arsenal fans had come to expect from previous left-backs such as Andre Santos, however Monreal was a Spanish international and much was expected of him. Most of his appearances would consist of coming on as a late substitute to help shut up shop and see out a game, however injuries to Kieran Gibbs would allow Nacho to play an impressive 36 times.
The 2014/2015 season would prove to be Monreal’s career highlight for Arsenal, after a difficult start with rumours of his exit surrounding him after his number 17 shirt was reassigned to Alexis Sanchez, Monreal was ever the reliable for Arsenal. Following injuries to Laurent Koscielny, Monreal would go on to deputise in centre-back partnering Per Mertesacker, and with the big Germans slump in form following the World Cup, Monreal’s role become ever more important.
Initially, the Spaniard admitted he found it difficult to adapt to his new position, “I feel a little bit strange because it’s not my natural position,” the 28-year-old told Arsenal Player. He would go on to say that it did not matter where he played, just so long as he played regularly, “I am playing better [this season]. One difference is that now I am playing [regularly]. Last season I didn’t play enough and I want to play every single game.”
Monreal’s stint at centre-back has allowed the left-back to improve abilities he never would have had challenged as much had he just played in his usual position; his heading, strength, and overall aggression has improved significantly. Arsene Wenger was quoted as saying, “he hasn't got the biggest frame but game by game, he becomes more aggressive because he understands the game, he can get in front of people”. When Koscielny returned from his injury, it was Monreal who took over at left-back from Gibbs as Arsene Wenger repaid his improvements with a starting berth. His intelligence and timing of his runs is what makes him stand out from Gibbs, who could be criticised for being too attack minded. Monreal is intelligent enough to see when he should be in attack, and that was no more evident than at the 2-0 win at Manchester City in January, in which he won the penalty which Cazorla converted.
Monreal’s highlight of the season came when he scored the opening goal in the 2-1 win at Old Trafford against Manchester United in the FA Cup quarter-final, another example of his perfectly timed runs. Monreal snuck in behind the United defence to collect Oxlade-Chamberlain's pass before placing his goal to perfection inside De Gea’s near post.
Monreal spoke of the faith Arsene Wenger has shown in him since arriving at the club:
"Since I've been here the manager has given me a lot of confidence and he's been starting me," he told Arsenal Player.
"This has been very important for me because it helps a lot to feel that the manager has faith in me”.
Arsene Wenger returned the compliment saying ‘he doesn’t get enough credit’;
"Monreal is playing very well, he doesn't get enough credit for the quality of his performances”
Monreal has seen his stats improve since becoming a regular for the Gunners; he made an average of 2.3 tackles and 3.1 interceptions per game, exceedingly higher than Kieran Gibbs.
Monreal was a key figure in the FA Cup final, nullifying Jack Grealish’s attacking prowess while also setting up crucial attacks. It was his run that drew defenders away from Alexis before he released his thunderous shot for the second goal.
Monreal has now stated that he is ‘lucky’ to play for Arsenal and confirmed he is signing a new deal with the club amid rumours he was joining Athletico Bilbao:
“I have one more year on my contract – but I want to stay." Said the Spanish international.
"I am very lucky to play for Arsenal, and am very happy to play for Arsenal. If the boss wants me to stay, I will – and I’d like to extend my contract.”
Nacho Monreal’s inclusion in the Team of The Season is something that Arsenal fans would never have thought would happen two years ago, however he has now become a mainstay in the team and is one of the first names on the team sheet. With a player of his diversity and abilities, Arsenal will be keen to have him sign his new contract as soon as possible.