Arsenal defender Nacho Monreal has lavished praise on new team-mate Shkodran Mustafi and stated that the summer signing can be an important player for the club this season.
A protracted transfer saga was ended when Arsene Wenger’s men splashed the cash to bring the Germany international to the Emirates Stadium from Valencia in the final days of the summer window.
A new defender was a priority for the North London outfit due to injuries to others, with Mustafi expected to play a major role in the club’s push for silverware in 2016-17.
Monreal is a staple at left-back for Arsenal and as such will be playing alongside the German enforcer and the Spaniard has stated that he has been impressed with the new Gunner so far.
“Mustafi is a player I like. He is experienced and really tough to beat, which makes him very suitable for the Premier League’s style.
“We really needed to bring a centre back to the club considering Per Mertesacker and Gabriel’s injuries, as well as Calum Chambers’ departure on loan.
“I hope he feels happy here from the very beginning so he can do for us what he does best.”
Mustafi looks likely to be dropped straight into the Arsenal team against Southampton in the Premier League this weekend, with potential for a promising centre-half partnership with Laurent Koscielny.
