Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin wants to have the same impact for the Gunners as Nemanja Matic has had for Chelsea, reports the Daily Star.
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The Frenchman has enjoyed a meteoric rise to become a regular starter for the North London club since returning from a loan period at Championship side Charlton Athletic in December. He has become the defensive midfielder that manager Arsene Wenger has needed since the departure of Patrick Vieira and Gilberto Silva from the club.
Matic has had a similar impact for the Blues since arriving in the middle of last season. The Serbian has helped the Stamford Bridge side to run away with the Premier League title this time round, and they could all but wrap it up with a win over the North London club on Sunday.
The Arsenal man said: “What he’s done is unbelievable. At Chelsea he is one of the main men so credit to him, he’s had a great season and is a great player. It’s always good to play against players like that.
“It’s an important position and Matic has shown how important he is – that’s what I’m trying to do as well for Arsenal. The fans want a good defensive midfielder, they know it’s important for the team.”
He may admire the Chelsea ace, but Coquelin will be hoping to get one over on the midfielder at the Emirates. Should the Gunners win it will keep their slim title hopes alive.