Speaking in Arsenal’s news conference, winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has claimed that French enforcer Francis Coquelin is so important to Arsenal because he brings that little ‘something different’.
Coquelin has become the surprise package in the Gunners team and is now a regular starter for Arsene Wenger, making the defensive midfield position his own. However, he has missed the last two matches with a swollen knee injury.
Wenger has confirmed that Coquelin has returned to full training for Arsenal now following the injury and that he is in contention for the Champions League in midweek.
Speaking on how highly he rates Coquelin, Chamberlain described him as an amazing footballer.
As long as he keeps doing that I’m sure he’s going to keep progressing as a player and helping this team Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Francis has always been an amazing player. When you’re at a club like Arsenal, sometimes it can be hard to find opportunities but he’s someone who has a great attitude.
Sometimes going out on loan can be hard for players to do but he’s gone out on loan, proved himself by playing well then came back and took his opportunity. He’s someone that I love having in the team.
When I think about Arsenal I think he’s a massive vocal part of our team, and he proves that week after week and in training as well. Everything that he does is different to what a lot of the other boys in our team can do.
I think that’s crucial to the team because he brings something different. As long as he keeps doing that I’m sure he’s going to keep progressing as a player and helping this team.
With the Frenchman now affirming his place in the Gunners’ XI, many believe he is the man to answer the prayers of many, but with the recent injury crisis seeing Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini back in the side, perhaps Arsene Wenger should have invested in some more squad depth.
