Pablo Mari was spotted by eagle eyed Arsenal fans and journalists when he was the airport in Brazil. I’m pretty certain that some Arsenal fans tracked him on the plane to London and probably videoed Edu Gaspar sleeping on his shoulder. The fans got a confirmation when Arsenal correspondent for Goal.com, Charles Watt, tweeted this.
Arsenal is on the spotlight in the wake of their defensive crisis with Calum Chambers injured, Sokratis and Rob Holding struggling with fitness, David Luiz currently suspended and Skhodran Mustafi synonymous with gaffes, mistakes and errors.
According to Sky Sports, Pablo Mari arrived in London yesterday for his medical as he looked set to be the Gunners first signing under Mikel Arteta. Arsenal and Flamengo have reached an agreement for loan deal with an option to buy at the end of the season.
Without further ado, here are 10 things you need to know about Pablo Mari.
Pablo Mari is a Commanding Center Back
The defender is a colossus at the heart of the Flamengo defense, averaging 2.9 clearances, one tackle, one interception per game. He is a reliable outlet at the back for the Brazilian outfit and his presence instilled fears in the faces of opposition forwards.
Pablo Mari is Left Footed
Like Aymeric Laporte in Manchester City, having a left footed center back playing alongside a right footed partner gives better balance to the defense. It’s not like there’s a problem having two left footers or two right footers pair with each other but in Arsenal’s case, Pablo Mari would forge a partnership with the experienced lads like Sokratis and David Luiz.
He has Won is Fair Share of Trophies
Last season was successful for Panlo Mari as he won the Campeonato Serie A and Copa Libertadores (South American version of the Champions League) with Flamengo. Pablo Mari was an ever present at the back for his side, forging a telepathic partnership with Rogerio Caio.
Familiar with the Premier League
You would be surprised to know that Pablo Mari’s performances in La Liga second division side, Gimnastic, earned him a transfer to Manchester City, but the English giants loaned him to Girona, NAC Breda and Deportivo de la Coruna to gain experience before he was transferred to Flamengo.
Pablo Mari is a Ball Playing Defender
Like David Luiz, Pablo Mari is very comfortable with the ball at his feet. Last season, he averaged 3.7 long balls per game, 0.2 key passes and had a passing accuracy of 87.8%. This essentially means that we can build from the back with Pablo Mari just like what we have been doing with David Luiz.
He is a BFG
At 6′ 3″, Pablo Mari has an intimidating frame, which will come in handy against opposition forwards in the Premier League. That height will also be useful from attacking set pieces.
Pablo Mari is Adept in Keeping a High Line
In his time at Flamengo, Pablo Mari and his defensive partner, Rogerio Caio, kept a high line and became accustomed to playing that way. However, they transitioned to playing deep as well, like their performance in the Copa Libertadores finals against Argentine juggernauts, River Plate.
He has had some European Football Experience
Mallorca, Gimnastic, NAC Breda, Girona and Deportivo – these are clubs that Pablo Mari has played for an remained consistent.
His Performances Earned Him a Place in the Brazilian Serie A Team of the Year
His performances were instrumental to his team as they won the national league in Brazil. This earned him a place in the Team of the Year,
Pablo Mari is the Antonym for Skhodran Mustafi
Pablo Mari does not dive into tackles like our brain dead German, as he prefer to read the game and calculate well before making an interception.
Here’s something to wet your appetite on this player
Sayonara.
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