Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger hails Coquelin as ‘best in Europe’

Arsene Wenger has responded to critics of Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin, leaping to his defence and taking it one step further by claiming his compatriot is the best in Europe. Coquelin has come under fire by some who view him as rash and reckless.

Others, most notably former United captain Gary Neville, believes Coquelin does not have the “power” or in other words strength, height, and physical attributes to lead Arsenal to the title (Coquelin stands at 5’10).

Wenger has responded sharply, asserting that Coquelin’s stats suggest he is the best defencive midfielder in Europe. The boss says making such statements publicly can be dangerous and effect public opinion, thus causing undue pressure on players.

“Coquelin has the best defensive statistics and numbers in Europe. You watch football like I watch football. I don’t know what people see. Defensively, Coquelin is doing a great job,” Wenger told reporters as quoted by Goal.com.

“Look, I am not against opinion. People can say they don’t think Arsenal is good enough. I accept that. But it is dangerous to say ‘He will never be a player’ — especially when the comment has come from people in football.”

“It doesn’t annoy me, but what is a concern is that it puts pressure on players. I believe that we are in a football job.

“People who have been in the game, I love that they go on television. But I would like them to help people to love football even more.”

While I wouldn’t go as far as placing Coquelin with the elite defencive midfielders just yet, the lad does deserve massive credit for his performances. Neville’s comments were unfair to the lad, and Wenger was spot on to defend his player.

Interesting statements nonetheless from the boss, as statistics and numbers can be deceiving. I seem to recall former Arsenal midfielder Denilson having the best passing accuracy in Europe at one point, which Wenger was quick to point as well. He didn’t mention however that the player loved to play 5 yard lateral passes.

That is not a knock on Denilson or Coquelin or Wenger, just a bit of perspective. Good on the boss to defend his player and good on Coquelin for his play in Arsenal’s engine room, but the boss shouldn’t allow his personal affinity to affect his judgement.

P.S- Yes Arsenal are still in need of another holding midfield player to support Coquelin, preferably one who is tall and strong.