Why Arsenal should bring back Donyell Malen
According to a report from Football.london, Arsenal were interested in bringing back former player Donyell Malen. The player spent two years in the Gunners academy but failed to make the cut at senior level.
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Donyell Malen spent eight years in the youth ranks of Ajax between 2007 and 2015 before joining Arsenal’s academy. He established himself as a prolific goalscorer for the Gunners at U-18 and U-23 levels while also proving his worth for the U-19s in the UEFA Youth League.
The Dutchman even took part in some pre-season fixtures for the North London outfit but was sold to PSV Eindhoven in 2017 after failing to make a single competitive appearance. Malen initially featured for PSV’s reserve side in the second-tier before making his first-team debut in the Eredivisie in 2018.
Despite largely featuring as a substitute during the 2018-19 campaign, Malen managed an impressive tally of 10 goals and 4 assists in the Eredivisie. He followed it up with an astonishing tally of 11 goals in 14 league outings in the Covid-curtailed campaign last term, while also netting thrice in four Europa League group stage appearances.
The 21-year-old has once again hit the ground running this term with 3 goals in 5 Eredivisie appearances, taking his overall tally for Eindhoven to 43 goals and 18 assists in 93 appearances across all competitions.
Having previously represented the Netherlands across various youth levels, Malen made his senior debut last year and has accumulated 4 caps for his nation so far.
Malen can provide an edge to Arsenal’s faltering attack
It is quite hard to fathom the levels Arsenal have dropped this season. They have struggled massively at both ends of the pitch which has put them in a dangerous position of being in the lower half of the table. What has stood out is how ineffective they have been in attack, with all of their senior forwards not being able to find the net.
Their top scorers in the league are Alexandre Lazazette (5) and Aubameyang (3). That does not look good for a side harboring ambitions to get back into the upper echelons of English football. To put things into perspective, Arsenal reigniting interest in Donyell Malen would solve issues in the forward line.
Essentially a centre-forward by trade, Malen is also capable of playing as a wide attacker on either flank. Hence, the Dutchman’s versatility would greatly reduce the burden on the likes of Willian, Aubameyang and Lacazette.
Donyell Malen has come a long way over the past three seasons following his release from Arsenal. The Dutchman is now widely regarded as one of the best rising talents in the Eredivisie. He has already racked up some very impressive numbers in his homeland, whilst also making his mark for the Netherlands national team.
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He isn’t the finished article just yet but working under a manager like Arteta will surely help him deliver on his enormous potential and take his game to the next level. This is a move that could benefit the club well.
