5 dark horse candidates to replace Arsene Wenger
By James Dudko
1. Phillip Cocu, PSV Eindhoven
Remember the young Ajax side United beat in last season’s Europa League final? The one touted as the next big thing? Well, the group still hasn’t won an Eredivisie title.
The reason is simple: Phillip Cocu and PSV Eindhoven have owned the Dutch top flight in recent years. Cocu’s PSV have won three out of the last four titles, with the only absence occurring when van Bronckhorst and Feyenoord took the prize in 2017.
PSV have the crown back this year after a dominant campaign which sees them lead Ajax by nine points with two games left. Cocu’s men have scored 84 goals, the joint most in the division.
Topping the scoring charts has been common for PSV on Cocu’s watch. The Rood-Witten have managed it each time they’ve won the title.
These goal gluts owe everything to the fluent, attacking style Cocu preaches. In the best traditions of his nation, the 47-year-old rarely wavers from a classy intricate brand of play Wenger would surely be proud of.
What is every bit as impressive is how Cocu has maintained both his principles and success while having to replace key players each summer.
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Memphis Depay and Georginio Wijnadlum were central to 2015’s title win, but both soon bolted for England’s top flight. Cocu’s response was typically astute, regenerating around the intelligence of Andres Guardado, the graft of Davy Propper and Marco van Ginkel’s skills.
PSV retained the title, but saw Propper leave for Brighton after last season’s disappointment. Cocu adjusted again and made fluid wide forward Hirving Lozano the focal point of his team.
The Mexico international has joined van Ginkel to play off underrated target man Luuk de Jong much the way Ramsey, Cazorla and Jack Wilshere floated and buzzed around Olivier Giroud when Arsenal won the FA Cup in 2014.
Since the Gunners still lack the resources to match the Manchester clubs or fend off La Liga’s elite, the ability to retool on the fly while still remaining competitive remains crucial.
It’s a fine line Wenger couldn’t always traverse. Cocu, though, has already shown he has the knack for this high-wire act.
The former Barcelona player also believes in the entertaining soccer Arsenal have won with since 1996. He may be the most impressive candidate nobody is talking about.