Frenchman happy to provide balance to Arsene Wenger’s side.
Arsenal’s renaissance man Francis Coquelin has said he is prepared to rein in his more attack minded teammates to help ensure the Gunners remain in the top four.
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Arsene Wenger’s side returned to the Champions League places last night following a nervous 2-1 win over Leicester.
A match with which Coquelin’s defensive prowess was certainly needed as the north London side attempted to see out a brittle one goal lead.
The Frenchman has been a revelation since his return from a loan spell at Charlton, so much so that it’s earned him a new contract at the Emirates.
And a part of his success can be put down to his confidence to tell his team-mates off when they don’t pull their weight defensively.
“If it needs to be said, I’m the one who’s saying it,” the 23 year old said, reports Eurosport. “Everyone can tell each other off, so that’s a good thing.
“We’re all fighting for each other and the spirit is good in the team, so everyone can say what they think. With every player we’ve got going forward, you need a man with a defensive mind as well.”
Arsenal have long been thought of as a soft touch, lacking a robust midfield presence.
However, the Frenchman seems to have added a steel amongst another of other qualities since he returned to the first team in December.
Speaking of his impact on the team, Coquelin said: “With every player we have got going forward, you need a man with a defensive mind as well.
“If I can give the team a good balance – because we have got quite a few players going forward – hopefully we can get back to keeping clean sheets soon.
“The most important thing is for us to get into the top four next season. It is going to be hard for us to win the title as Chelsea are quite far ahead, (but) if we stay consistent and keep winning games, you never know what can happen.”