Per Mertesacker has highlighted the importance of Alexis Sanchez to Arsenal after the Chilean grabbed a brace in the 2-0 win over West Brom last night.
Sanchez missed a long period of the season through injury which came after a difficult spell of form – caused primarily by lack of rest. He played and won the Copa America with Chile last summer, but was thrust into action on the first day of the season, a contributory factor to some indifferent performances and a physical breakdown.
However, Mertesacker was keen to praise the former Barcelona man for his work ethic and how he affects Arsenal’s football.
“If he is on the pitch, he always creates space for other players because he draws so much attention and that is the key to any team,” he told the Guardian.
“He is a key member of our team and if he is fully fit, he makes the difference and that is always the case.
“Over the whole season, normally we need him healthy. He is the type of player who makes the difference and even when he is in Chile playing two World Cup qualifiers, he will be back on track in the right time, when he has had just two days’ rest in between.
“He is that type of player who gives everything to the team. Those team members are well appreciated.”
It was Mertesacker’s first league start since the 2-2 draw with Sp*rs on March 5th, and he said time on the bench has been reflective.
“It is another perspective for me,” he said. “But I try to give everything and be ready when selected.
“Sometimes you need to step back and learn something out of it. Now, I can train more than I ever could before. I sat back and looked at what I could do in training to really get better.
“Obviously, you are disappointed but I will never drop the respect for anyone here, even when I’m not playing.
“It was a good time for me – if you change a little bit of your perspective, you see how other people feel.”
Can’t fault that attitude one bit.
Love the BFG’s attitude here! No matter what has happened at the club this season you can see he gives a shit.
I know WBA didn’t exactly push us, but I can’t be the only one who thought that the Cech/Mertesacker/Koscielny triumvirate looks much, much more secure than the Ospina/Gabriel/Koscielny one. Part of that is obviously the change in GK, but I do think that Per is unlucky to have been dropped to the bench. Hope to see him starting for the remaining games.
I think it was obvious that per was dropped due to form at the time and his lack of pace was being specifically targeted in games. We should go all out for Stones or Hummels. But what do i know lol im sure Wenger can find the Elneney of CB’s
Hummels yes! Stones is so overrated; he’s ranked higher because he’s a Brit. Watch him closely and you’ll realize he’s actually pretty poor defensively.
One of the true professionals in our team. He leads by example.
I also think we looked more solid last night with Petr, Per and Laurent. BFG certainly isn’t the quickest player every and reminds me of Willie Young but he has that never say die attitude. He certainly wouldn’t have let Andy Carroll score three against us.
Tremendous attitude. It’s clear that Per has his flaws – pace most obviously – but he is considerably better than the alternative option we’ve been using. Everyone knows we need to strengthen in that department. Still, you do wonder why Chambers hasn’t been given more of a go at centre-back.
I didn’t even read the article, I just wanted to say olé for that photoshop, don’t ban me for saying lol.
Definition of professionalism = Per Mertesacker
Per will be made captain when Arteta goes on a free next season. He’s a top pro through and through.
Go back and check the goals Mertesacker has let in or been involved in letting in though. He was much more aggressive and vocal in the 2013-14 season, seems passive now. I can bet wenger told him to be quiet and nice.
I wish our team was more explosive. This style is so lateral and boring. And nobody tells anyone else to buck up their game anymore.
Captain Mertastic!
I hope Mertesacker keeps Gabriel out of the line-up until the latter becomes less error-prone.
This is photoshop right?
@Cliff, Thank you for that question. Been wondering the same thing for some time