Mikel Arteta believes that Piero Hincapie has been ‘immense’ for Arsenal and has reminded fans of the circumstances he faced before joining.
Arsenal signed Hincapie on loan from Bayer Leverkusen with the option to make the deal permanent next summer for £45 million.
You have £45m to spend on a defender, do you pay for Piero Hincapie or sign someone else?
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In just a short space of time, Hincapie has quickly impressed at Arsenal, slotting in at centre-back and left-back, partnering various Arsenal teammates.
It’s certainly been a whirlwind six months at the Emirates Stadium for the 23-year-old, but Arteta has praised the way he has handled himself.
Mikel Arteta thinks Piero Hincapie has been ‘immense’ for Arsenal
Mikel Arteta has reminded Arsenal fans that Piero Hincapie arrived at Arsenal without doing pre-season with the squad before undergoing groin surgery.
After making his return, Hincapie has been readily available for Arsenal over recent weeks, which has been a huge boost given their injury crisis in defence.
The Spanish coach has now hailed his new defender and the impact he has had on his team in N5 this season.
Speaking to the media, Arteta said: “Very impressed because obviously he came very, very late in the market without pre-season after that. A surgery as well.
Fill the blanks: I think Mikel Arteta should start _________ at left-back when Arsenal’s squad is fully fit
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Riccardo Calafiori, Piero Hincapie, Myles Lewis-Skelly…who gets your pick?
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“He’s been immense. I mean, for everything that we asked him to do, he’s fulfilled that in various roles as well. I think it’s been a big boost for the team and another step in terms of what he can bring to the team.”
Hincapie was the most fouled player against Bournemouth, highlighting that he offers more than just the ability to defend.
The Ecuadorian international’s ability to play both central defence and left-back has been a really key asset for Arteta.
Mikel Arteta praises Leandro Trossard’s ‘consistency’
Arteta also praised the Gunners’ Player of the Month for December, Leandro Trossard.
The Arsenal boss has been so impressed by his ‘consistency’ which he has offered the team.
Well, first of all, I think his level of understanding and consistency, he’s got ability, but the level of consistency he’s shown this season, in particular, I think has been exceptional.
“I think he’s really clicking with the team in every aspect of the game, and he’s a player that provides something different to what we have.”
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