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.”
