Impressive Raheem Sterling record emerges as Arteta considers surprise Arsenal role vs Tottenham

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Arsenal could utilise deadline day signing Raheem Sterling in a different role in the North London derby.

Following the international break, Mikel Arteta’s side have been preparing for the North London derby, as Arsenal travel to Tottenham to battle for three points.

The Gunners will take some confidence into the fixture as a result of their previous results at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium however, it’s not all rosy for the visitors.

Arteta is set to have a handful of first team names unavailable for the derby, with a significant problem to solve in midfield.

• READ MORE: What is the North London Derby? Everything you need to know about the Arsenal and Tottenham rivalry

Martin Odegaard’s absence could open a door for Raheem Sterling against Tottenham

It’s set to be a new-look Arsenal squad when it comes to the central areas, with a reshuffle in personnel almost certain.

Declan Rice is suspended due to the controversial red card he received against Brighton, with captain Martin Odegaard also expected to be out of contention.

Odegaard suffered an ankle injury on international duty, with there little clarity shed regarding the Norwegian’s availability ahead of the derby.

• READ MORE: Predicted Arsenal XI vs Tottenham as Mikel Arteta solves Odegaard problem and replaces Rice

As a result, Kai Havertz could be nominated to cover for the skipper in attacking midfield, leaving a vacancy open in the spearhead of attack, which could suit deadline day signing Raheem Sterling.

Arteta has a key to cover several positions in Sterling, who despite being best equipped in the wide areas, has experience playing centrally over the years in his dazzling Premier League career.

Upon signing for Arsenal, it was reported that Sterling is open to playing centrally, which could come of great use to Arteta considering the current absences in the squad.

Sterling’s record in central positions

It’s common knowledge that Sterling ticks best coming off the flank, whether it be on the left side cutting in, or the right side.

Having represented Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool over the years, the Englishman has had his adaptability tested, playing in a range of positions.

What could be interesting for Arteta is Sterling’s record of goal contributions playing in central areas, with the Englishman having experience of assuming the centre-forward, second striker and attacking midfield roles.

As seen above, Sterling is incredibly strong in a range of central positions, having maintained a stellar record of goal contributions playing away from the flank.

The main talking point will be where Arteta opts to play Havertz, whose role could heavily influence where Sterling plays, if the 29-year-old is to earn his full Premier League debut for Arsenal.

After a challenging week, the manager will have some assurance regarding where he can field Sterling, whose Premier League experience could be the difference between the Gunners rising or falling at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.