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‘Gifted and technical’ Arsenal player is staking a major claim to dethrone £110k-a-week regular – TBR View
Arsenal right-back Cedric Soares has shown he has what it takes to shine at the Emirates Stadium, and in the process could well have given Mikel Arteta a big selection headache.
The 29-year-old joined Arsenal in January 2020, initially on a six-month loan, before his deal was made permanent in June upon the expiry of his Southampton contract.
“He’s a different quality in the full-back area than what we have,” Arteta after Cedric joined permanently.
“He’s a gifted, technical player and is probably the best we have in the final third to make the right decision and attack the box as well.
“He can play in a four or a five, he’s a really good player with experience in the Premier League that can help us.”
Cedric’s early days at Arsenal didn’t quite go to plan – he was out with a knee injury initially, then suffered a nasal bone fracture after the resumption of English football.
However, he still managed five appearances for the Gunners, featuring against Norwich, Wolves, Spurs, Liverpool and Aston Villa.
Cedric has had to bide his time this season, but he’s now very much in Arteta’s plans, having started Arsenal’s last six Premier League games.
Five of those have been at left-back in the absence of Kieran Tierney, and the Portugal international has done ever so well.
“Cedric Soares embodies all the qualities manager Mikel Arteta wants from his players,” wrote Chris Wheatley of in January.
“Hungry, ambitious, versatile and able to lead his team-mates, the Portuguese has silenced many of the doubters who felt his signing was one that smacked of mediocrity.”
With Tierney edging closer to a return, Arteta will be compelled to bring the Scot back into the XI, given he’s one of Arsenal’s best players.
However, Cedric has more than shown he’s worthy of a starting spot, and given he’s a right-back by trade, Arteta can accomodate both players with ease.
Hector Bellerin might have done well against Benfica last time out, but he’s blown hot and cold for much of the season.
Given Cedric has been staking a major claim for a continued run in the starting XI, could Arteta drop the once Tierney returns to fitness?