Sead Kolasinac: His Arsenal Career & Highlights

Let's dive into the career of Sead Kolasinac at Arsenal. For those of you who might not know, Sead Kolasinac, often called 'The Tank' by fans, is a Bosnian professional footballer who brought a lot of passion and physicality to the teams he played for. This article will explore his time with the Gunners, looking at his arrival, key moments, strengths, weaknesses, and eventual departure. So, buckle up, Gooners, and let's take a trip down memory lane!

Arrival at Arsenal

Sead Kolasinac joined Arsenal in the summer of 2017 on a free transfer from Schalke 04. This move was met with considerable excitement because, on paper, he seemed like the perfect fit for what Arsenal needed at the time: a strong, aggressive, and defensively solid left-back. Coming off a stellar season in the Bundesliga, where he was named in the Bundesliga Team of the Season, expectations were high. He was supposed to bring some much-needed steel to Arsenal's often criticized defense. Guys, remember the anticipation? Everyone thought we'd finally found a player who wouldn't back down from a challenge!

Kolasinac's arrival was part of a broader effort to revamp the squad. Arsène Wenger, then still in charge, aimed to inject more resilience and power into the team. Kolasinac, with his imposing physique and no-nonsense approach, seemed like the ideal candidate to fulfill that role. The free transfer was considered a shrewd piece of business, offering a potentially high reward without a significant financial risk. Fans and pundits alike lauded the signing, hoping he would quickly adapt to the Premier League's intensity and physicality. The early signs were promising, with Kolasinac showcasing his strength and determination in pre-season matches, further fueling the excitement surrounding his arrival.

Key Moments at Arsenal

Sead Kolasinac had several memorable moments during his time at Arsenal. One of the most significant was his Community Shield debut against Chelsea in 2017. He came on as a substitute and scored a crucial equalizer with a powerful header, helping Arsenal eventually win the trophy on penalties. This instant impact endeared him to the Arsenal faithful right away. It was like he was saying, "I'm here, and I'm here to fight!"

Another standout moment was his performance in the Europa League. Kolasinac often shone in this competition, providing assists and demonstrating his ability to bomb forward and deliver dangerous crosses. His contributions were vital in several key victories, showcasing his attacking prowess and versatility. Remember that game against FC Koln? He was an absolute beast! Then, there was his courageous act of fighting off armed attackers alongside teammate Mesut Özil in 2019. This incident highlighted his bravery and further cemented his status as a fan favorite. While it was a terrifying experience, his reaction showed his fearless character, earning him even more respect and admiration from supporters and peers alike. These moments, big and small, defined his Arsenal career and left a lasting impression on the club and its fans.

Strengths and Weaknesses

When we talk about Sead Kolasinac's strengths, his physical presence is the first thing that comes to mind. He was incredibly strong and difficult to push off the ball. His tackling was fierce, and he possessed a great engine, allowing him to run up and down the left flank tirelessly. Offensively, he had a decent cross and was capable of delivering dangerous balls into the box. Guys, remember how many times he just bulldozed through opponents? It was a sight to behold!

However, Kolasinac also had his weaknesses. His defensive positioning could be suspect at times, and he was prone to making rash decisions. Sometimes, his eagerness to win the ball led to unnecessary fouls or being caught out of position. While he was strong, his agility and pace were not his strongest suits, which could be exploited by quicker wingers. Furthermore, his decision-making in the final third sometimes let him down, as he occasionally lacked the composure to pick out the right pass or finish a chance. These inconsistencies often frustrated fans and limited his overall effectiveness, preventing him from becoming a truly top-class full-back. Despite his best efforts, these flaws meant he was never quite able to reach the consistent performance level required at a club like Arsenal.

Style of Play

Sead Kolasinac was known for his aggressive and energetic style of play. He was a player who gave his all on the pitch, never shying away from a tackle or a challenge. His physical presence and determination made him a formidable opponent for any winger. He loved to get forward and contribute to the attack, often overlapping with the winger and delivering crosses into the box. Defensively, he was strong in one-on-one situations and always willing to put his body on the line for the team. This wholehearted approach made him a popular figure among fans, who appreciated his commitment and passion.

Kolasinac’s style of play was characterized by his directness and intensity. He wasn’t one for fancy tricks or intricate passing; instead, he relied on his strength, speed, and work rate to impact the game. His powerful runs down the left flank often created opportunities for his teammates, and his willingness to track back and defend made him a valuable asset in both phases of play. However, his aggressive style also meant he was prone to picking up yellow cards and committing fouls, which sometimes put his team in difficult situations. Despite these drawbacks, his energetic and combative approach to the game made him a memorable figure in the Premier League.

Injury Issues

Throughout his Arsenal career, Sead Kolasinac faced several injury setbacks that hampered his progress. These injuries often disrupted his rhythm and prevented him from maintaining a consistent run of games. Muscle strains and knee problems were common issues, sidelining him for weeks at a time. These periods on the sidelines not only affected his match fitness but also impacted his confidence and ability to perform at his best. Guys, remember when he was constantly in and out of the team? It was tough to see him struggle with those injuries.

The recurring injury issues also affected Arsenal's team dynamics. When Kolasinac was unavailable, the team had to reshuffle the defense, which often led to instability and inconsistent performances. His absence was particularly felt during crucial matches, where his strength and experience would have been invaluable. The club tried various methods to manage his fitness, including specialized training programs and careful monitoring of his workload, but the injuries persisted. This ultimately limited his overall contribution to the team and played a part in the decision to eventually move him on. It's a shame because when he was fit, he could be a real force on the field.

Departure from Arsenal

Sead Kolasinac eventually left Arsenal in January 2021, joining Schalke 04 on loan before making a permanent move to Marseille later that year. His departure marked the end of a mixed spell at the club. While he had moments of brilliance and endeared himself to the fans with his passion and commitment, his inconsistencies and injury problems ultimately prevented him from fulfilling his full potential. The decision to let him go was a pragmatic one, as Arsenal looked to streamline their squad and reduce their wage bill. Guys, it was a bittersweet moment, wasn't it? We loved his passion, but it just didn't quite work out.

His return to Schalke 04 on loan was seen as an opportunity for him to regain his form and confidence. However, even back in Germany, he struggled to consistently perform at his best. The subsequent move to Marseille offered a fresh start, but his time there was also marked by inconsistency and further injury issues. Despite the challenges he faced, Kolasinac remained a popular figure among Arsenal fans, who appreciated his efforts and the memorable moments he provided during his time at the club. His departure symbolized a changing of the guard at Arsenal, as the club looked to build a new team under new leadership. Though his Arsenal career had its ups and downs, his commitment and spirit will always be remembered.

Legacy at Arsenal

Sead Kolasinac's legacy at Arsenal is that of a player who always gave his all but ultimately couldn't quite deliver the consistency needed at the highest level. He will be remembered for his strength, his passion, and his memorable moments, such as the Community Shield goal and his brave defense against armed attackers. While he may not go down as a club legend, he certainly left a lasting impression on the fans. Guys, he was one of those players you just couldn't help but root for, right?

His time at Arsenal serves as a reminder of the complexities of football. Sometimes, a player with all the right attributes on paper just doesn't quite fit into a team or league. Kolasinac's story is one of potential unfulfilled, but also of effort and commitment that should be recognized. He may not have won countless trophies or broken records, but he played with heart and left everything on the pitch, which is something every fan can appreciate. In the end, his legacy is one of a hard-working player who gave his best for the club, even if things didn't always go as planned.