ANDREY ARSHAVIN can become the Diego Maradona of the Premier League according
to Arsene Wenger.
Arsenal’s boss will unleash his Russian superstar for the first time today
against Sunderland as the Gunners look to close the gap on the top four.
And he is convinced that Arshavin — his recent £15million signing from Zenit
St Petersburg — has all the qualities needed to become an Emirates legend.
At just under 5ft 6in, Arshavin will be one of the smallest players in the top
flight.
Wenger said: “Yes, he is quite small. It is amazing that in football people
are always concerned about size but one of the best players in the world was
Maradona, who was the same size as Arshavin.
“Maradona was 168cms while I think Arshavin is 167 — so it is not a handicap.”
Wenger is more concerned about Arshavin’s ability to adapt to the English game
after just one competitive match in the last three months.
He added: “There has always been a question-mark about whether Russian players
can make it over here or not.
“There is always a culture shock involved. It’s not like he is coming here
from Wales!
“You can never be 100 per cent sure about any purchase. Some Russian players
are not exportable, but that is down to their personality. Arshavin has
personality, vision and class. And when a player is intelligent and mentally
strong he can become even stronger when he goes abroad.
“I believe Arshavin has what is needed because it was his decision to move and
have a new experience abroad.
“His biggest problem is that he is not completely match fit at the moment. So
we must give him time to adjust.”
Arshavin, 27, is likely to start on the left side of midfield at home to
Sunderland today and Wenger believes his presence will give Arsenal the
cutting edge and creativity which they have lacked far too often this
season.
The Gunners boss added: “What I like about Arshavin is that he is calm in his
final ball. Whenever a player can pass people in the final third they have
something special.
“We have always played with two creative players on the flanks, players like
Robert Pires and Freddie Ljungberg who are very important for our
efficiency.
“We are always looking at players who can introduce something special into our
team — and I think Arshavin can do that.”
Fellow striker Robin van Persie claims Arshavin has already made his mark at
the club.
The Dutchman said: “He has trained a number of times and believe me he is
really good. But I knew that from the European Championship quarter-final
match when he was unstoppable.
“The memories of that defeat are still painful but if I could have chosen one
player out of the Russian team for Arsenal, then it would have been
Arshavin. He is class during the training sessions at Arsenal.
“You see it immediately, how he controls the ball, always makes the right
choice and the intelligent way he finds space or is always in a playable
position.
“He is the ideal age and experience to bring good things for Arsenal. I’m very
happy that he’s here.”
Arshavin is ineligible for Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Roma after
playing in the competition for Zenit last year.
Wenger also has to cope without striker Eduardo, who pulled a hamstring after
his two-goal return to action against Cardiff on Monday, while Emmanuel
Adebayor is still ruled out by a hamstring injury.
But Emmanuel Eboue is available for selection today after completing a
one-match ban.
Fifth-placed Arsenal trail Chelsea by five points and third-placed Villa by
seven and Wenger says it is essential for his team to take advantage of the
two sides above them cutting each other’s throats when they meet today.
He said: “We know somebody above will drop points today so we must make sure
we beat Sunderland and close the gap.
“I still believe we will finish in the top four but the only chance we have to
do that is to be as perfect as possible. If the others are perfect as well,
then well done to them.”
