Alan Shearer has named Ezri Konsa as the Premier League's player of the season so far. The Arsenal defender has starred in his side's five-point lead at the top despite William Saliba's injury absence.
Shearer's Praise
Alan Shearer said, "I think the player of the season up to now has been Ezri Konsa." Speaking to Betfair, he added, "I just think when you look at the performances of Arsenal defensively, and look at his performances defensively, we haven't even really mentioned them missing William Saliba. The only time we've mentioned him is in the last two weeks and that's because everyone is thinking how is he going to get back in because Konsa has been that good."
Konsa's Transfer and Form
GOAL reported that Ezri Konsa completed a £55 million move from Aston Villa in the summer. Konsa has missed just one game so far, helping Arsenal open up a five-point lead at the top of the table.
Saliba's Injury and Return
Arsenal signed Konsa partly to cover for William Saliba, who returned from this summer's World Cup with a serious back injury. Arsenal return from the international break with a trip to Newcastle at St James' Park, while Saliba is closing in on a comeback.
Defensive Selection Dilemma
Rio Ferdinand, former Manchester United defender, said, "Mikel Arteta has got a problem, he's got a huge problem now. What is he going to do when William Saliba is fit? Ezri Konsa has come into that back-four and he looks like he's been there for ten years." He added, "It's a problem but it's a problem that I hope Mikel Arteta will enjoy because he's got two top centre-backs vying to be in the team. It's a good position to be in. I think we will see Konsa sometimes playing right-back."
Brighton's Title Challenge
Alan Shearer said, "Brighton could be Arsenal's main challenge to the title this season. I don't think they're going to go away." Brighton have won seven of their 10 league games and sit second.
