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Chesterfield Today
By the People, for the People
Arsenal Loanee Plays Unfamiliar Position in Shrewsbury Win
Ismeal Kabia, a winger by trade, filled in at right-back for the first time in his 34-game loan spell.
Published on Mar. 9, 2026
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Arsenal loanee Ismeal Kabia, who has primarily played as a winger or right midfielder for Shrewsbury Town this season, found himself in an unfamiliar right-back role in their recent 3-2 win over Chesterfield. Despite never having played the position before in his 33 prior appearances, Kabia made eight defensive contributions including three interceptions and a blocked shot, while also creating chances going forward.
Why it matters
Kabia's versatility in being able to adapt to an unfamiliar defensive position shows his potential value to both Shrewsbury and Arsenal. The ability to play multiple roles is an asset for any young player looking to break into a first-team lineup.
The details
Joining Shrewsbury as a winger, the 20-year-old Kabia had primarily been used as a right-midfielder or right-wing-back in their three-at-the-back system. But with Shrewsbury opting for a five-at-the-back formation against Chesterfield, Kabia was deployed as the right-sided defender for the first time. While Shrewsbury did concede twice, Kabia made several key defensive plays and also created chances going forward, showing his versatility.
- Kabia has made 34 appearances for Shrewsbury Town this season on loan from Arsenal.
- The position change occurred in Shrewsbury's 3-2 win over Chesterfield on March 9, 2026.
The players
Ismeal Kabia
A 20-year-old winger on loan from Arsenal, who has primarily played as a right-midfielder or right-wing-back for Shrewsbury Town this season.
Gavin Cowan
The head coach of Shrewsbury Town, who opted to deploy Kabia in an unfamiliar right-back role for the first time in their recent match.
What’s next
It remains to be seen if Shrewsbury's head coach Gavin Cowan will continue to utilize Kabia in the right-back role going forward, or if the young Arsenal loanee will return to his more familiar positions on the wing.
The takeaway
Kabia's ability to seamlessly transition into an unfamiliar defensive position for Shrewsbury demonstrates his adaptability and potential to contribute in multiple roles, which could benefit both his current loan club and parent club Arsenal as he continues to develop his skills.
