Former England striker Gary Lineker has now revealed what he told Arsenal icon Arsene Wenger concerning mooted rule changes.
Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is currently spearheading a FIFA initiative to change the offside rule.
The proposed amendment to the rule would mean that an attacking player would be onside if any part of their body that can legally score a goal is level with or behind the relevant defender. This would, in theory, benefit attackers and mean that they can only be ruled offside if they are gaining a clear and obvious advantage over a defender, rather than only being marginally ahead.
Wenger is keen to bring this change into football as soon as possible, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Gary Lineker clashes with Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger
However, Gary Lineker has concerns that the adoption of this alteration could have negative consequences for the game of football as a spectacle.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker detailed how he explained his reservations to Wenger himself.
The former Spurs forward said: “I was part of a panel when this was discussed with Arsene Wenger, and I had my doubts at the time. I said I worry that teams will defend very deep now…I can see problems with it. Teams will adapt, but my fear is we’ll get more low-blocks, which is not what we want. On the other hand, we might get a load more goals…I remember at that meeting, I said, ‘Arsene, this feels like doing something for something’s sake.’”
How will Arsene Wenger’s offside rule change impact Arsenal?
If this change is introduced, it will of course impact Arsenal. Mikel Arteta has constructed an extremely well-drilled defensive unit at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners only conceded 29 goals in the Premier League this season, meaning they boasted the best defensive record in the top flight of English football.
Arsenal are adept at playing the offside trap, and are often comfortable holding a high line, knowing that David Raya can be relied upon to sweep up in the vacant space that they leave between their defenders and their own goal. However, this rule change may prompt a rethink of Arteta’s defensive strategy.
William Saliba and Gabriel Magalahes have been credited as the best centre-back partnership in the Premier League. It is hard to imagine that they would thank Wenger for positing this change.
However, the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, who can use their pace to take advantage of this change, may well be more welcoming.