---
title: "Wenger praises Debuchy’s determination to win back his place"
canonical: "https://readarsenal.com/2017/12/08/wenger-praises-debuchys-determination-to-win-back-his-place/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Charlie Smith"
section: "Articles"
published: "2017-12-08T12:38:20Z"
modified: "2017-12-08T12:38:20Z"
---

# Wenger praises Debuchy’s determination to win back his place

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has heaped praise on Mathieu Debuchy after being told in the summer that the right-back could find a new club, the [Evening Standard](https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/arsene-wenger-hails-arsenal-star-mathieu-debuchy-for-fighting-way-back-to-the-top-a3713761.html) report.

Debuchy, 32, is currently under contract with the Gunners for the next 18 months, however, the Frenchman was told in the summer that he was surplus to requirements and could move on.

However, the defender failed to reach an agreement with another club and remained at the Emirates, becoming a vital part of Wenger’s second-string side that have topped their group in the Europa League.

The full-back has made five starts this season, all coming in cup competitions, and opened the scoring in Arsenal’s 6-0 thumping of BATE Borisov with a thunderous strike.

![Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/869525744.jpg)

Wenger was quick to praise Debuchy after the game and hasn’t written his future off at the club, stating it’s his performances now that matter in the pursuit of remaining at the Emirates.

> He is under contract; his future is down to his performances now. We have as well Ainsley \[Maitland-Niles\] now who can play right and left, but I consider him like anybody else and I must say I have a huge respect for his professional side and how much he did fight to come back to the top. He’s a tough, tough guy. Tough worker.