Mikel Arteta’s inaugural starting lineup at Arsenal has experienced significant transformation in the four years since he assumed the managerial position. The team set to take the field against West Ham United on Boxing Day is a far cry from the original lineup that marked Arteta’s debut with the Gunners. Let us delve into the progression of the individuals from the original lineup and their current whereabouts.
Bernd Leno, the German goalkeeper, was a prominent figure at the Emirates until the commencement of the 2021-22 season, after which he transferred to Fulham. Ainsley Maitland-Niles, a product of the academy, experienced reduced opportunities, leading to a series of loan spells before joining Lyon in the French league. Sokratis Papastathopoulos, a Greek centre-back, departed to Olympiacos, while David Luiz, the Brazilian defender, returned to Brazil to represent Flamengo after clinching the FA Cup with the Gunners.
Bukayo Saka, a versatile winger, has developed into one of Arsenal and England’s most crucial attacking players after initially featuring as a left-back at the age of 18. Lucas Torreira, the Uruguayan midfielder, pursued opportunities abroad after spending a season and a half under Arteta, ultimately joining Turkish giants Galatasaray. Granit Xhaka, the Swiss international, made a move to Bayer Leverkusen and has thrived in the Bundesliga.
Reiss Nelson, the 24-year-old forward, remains at Arsenal but primarily serves as a substitute. Mesut Ozil, formerly regarded as one of the most talented midfielders in the world, fell out of favor with Arteta and eventually departed for Turkish club Fenerbahce before retiring. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who scored the first goal in the Arteta era and captained the Gunners, transferred to Barcelona before joining Marseille, where he continues to score consistently. Alexandre Lacazette, another pivotal player under Arteta, departed for Lyon and currently plies his trade for the relegation-threatened Ligue 1 side.
The team under Arteta has undergone a complete overhaul, mirroring the changes and transitions witnessed in the world of football over the past four years. Each player has embarked on their own journey, encountering new opportunities and challenges in various leagues and clubs. The evolution of Arsenal’s first XI illustrates the dynamic nature of professional football and the ever-changing landscape of the sport.