German midfielder earns praise from Gunners boss.
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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has praised Thomas Eisfeld after his goal-scoring display against West Brom in their midweek Capital One Cup encounter, comparing the youngster to club legend Robert Pires.
Speaking to Arsenal’s official site, Wenger praised Eisfeld’s play in the penalty area, after the young German made a good run from midfield to score the Gunners’ opening goal in a 1-1 draw at the Hawthorns on Wednesday.
Wenger’s side eventually triumphed on penalties to set up a fourth round tie with Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, and the 20-year-old was singled out for praise by the French tactician.
“He is a Pires type,” the boss said. “He appears to be in the box without being noisy and appearing suddenly. When he is there, he finishes well.
“He has that kind of quality that some midfielders have – not many. They have the timing to get in dangerous situations.
“He’s cool enough in front of goal and he finishes well.”
Eisfeld started his career as a youngster at Borussia Dortmund before joining Arsenal for around £475,000 in 2012, though he is yet to make a significant impact on the club’s first team.
Pires, on the other hand, is a legendary figure at Arsenal, having scored 84 goals in a six-year spell with the club, guiding them to one of the most successful periods in their history with two league titles and three FA Cups.
Eisfeld will be hoping to continue to impress when given the opportunity in League Cup ties, where Wenger has often chosen to field weakened sides.