Distin can play the ball out of defence, he's nothing like Yobo to be honest. It does help having Heitinga back there though, even his long passes are accurate and have the intention of finding a man, they aren't hit and hope.
But our football is based around not taking any chances so there always be an element of hoofing, that won't change until there's a change in style of play on the training pitch.
Arteta is the man who dictates our tactics, when he plays in the middle we play football. It's as simple as that really, he can take the ball in deep positions and keep hold of it. The defenders know that and it breeds confidence throughout the side.
Other than him, we don't really have a player of this style. Rodwell can do it, in patches, but even he needs work and he doesn't demand the ball anywhere near as much as Arteta. Heitinga has the passing range, but I'm not convinced he has the agility and speed on the ball to turn quickly and face the play, similar to Tom Huddlestone really.
We need another Arteta style player in the summer, it's a must.
