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Scouting Report: West Ham’s latest target looks a real prospect in midfield

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Arslan

The latest Besiktas player linked with a move to West Ham is promising German midfielder Tolgay Arslan. Many will be familiar with him as he was the man who scored the goal against Liverpool in the game that knocked the English side out of the Europa League. Other than that, his status is relatively unknown, so here’s the low-down on West Ham’s latest target.

Strengths

Dribbling

Arslan is a very gifted player. Capable of carrying the ball long distances, the midfielder is very skilful and will often look to beat players in the middle of the park. He always looks a composed and assured figure on the ball and shows maturity in possession.

Passing

The midfielder possesses a solid passing range. He likes to look for the measured lofted ball and often supplied the wingers in Bilic’s Besiktas side. Arslan is a naturally forward-thinking player and will look to spark attacks when he is in possession. He is also economical on the ball, averaging an 86% pass success rate in the Turkish Superlig last season.

Tackling

As well as being comfortable on the ball, Arslan is also very good at reading the game, often timing clean tackles before looking to get the ball forward. Due to his tackling ability, Arslan has been deployed in a deeper role but was encouraged to carry more of a creative influence under Bilic.

Weaknesses

Goal-scoring

Although Arslan took his goal against Liverpool very well, it was the only goal he scored last season. In 2013/14, he managed just the single goal in 32 Bundesliga appearances. He clearly needs to improve in this area but at just 24-years-old, there’s plenty of time for the German to add this element to his game.

Would he fit in at West Ham?

The Hammers are looking to play attractive attacking football under Slaven Bilic and Arslan would certainly provide the entertainment factor. He is an intelligent player who is capable of producing the extraordinary and he has the potential to be a very good Premier League player. Before he joined Besiktas in January, he attracted the interest of Arsenal before deciding to join Bilic’s side, so his talent has been earmarked as appropriate for the demands of the Premier League before.

The young German certainly has ability and would provide a creative spark in midfield for a reasonable fee. Turkish newspaper Fanatik are reporting that the Irons have bid around £5 million for his services, a very good fee considering the talent of the player. It is very difficult to find a player that is very good on the ball but also good at reading the game and timing a tackle. He shows similarities with fellow countryman Ikay Gundogan, carrying that solidly assured persona coupled with a creative presence in the middle of the park.

Verdict

Bilic initially bought Arlsan as a player for the future at Besiktas but towards the end of the season, he gradually forced his way into Bilic’s first-team plans and impressed in his performances when given the opportunity.

It may not be as easy at West Ham but he certainly possesses the creative instinct that the club are desperately looking for as they try to encourage a more attacking style of football next season. An agile, quick and creative player, Arslan could slot in well alongside the physical, energetic presence of players like Cheikou Kouyate and Pedro Obiang in midfield. Also, considering the rather cheap asking price and the fact that the manager knows exactly what he’s getting, it could represent an excellent bit of business for Slaven Bilic’s West Ham side.

Check out Arslan in action for Hamburg and Besiktas. Let us know what you think by commenting below.

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2 comments

  • Bobby o says:

    Looks a good midfielder who can carry the ball and play good passing football
    Within Downing and the other midfielders we should have a great squad of players this season
    Come on you irons

  • mert says:

    it’s funny how bilic always subbed him or he never used him at key games. he is beşiktaş’ most complete midfielder; can defend, can hold the ball, can create chances but whenever game needed a player like him, bilic took him off of the game.
    but now he is willing to spend for him.
    i think bilic has no idea what he is doing.

    but, if west ham can manage to get him, he will shine. he’ll definetely be a key player.

    source: a turkish dude who watched beşiktaş’ games for his entire life aka me.

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