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Arsenal’s new defensive partnership of Mustafi and Koscielny has done pretty well so far, but one of Arsenal’s greatest central defenders of all time has had his say on the duo.
Sol Campbell, speaking exclusively to 888sport was asked about what he thought of Arsenal’s new £45million defensive partnership. Here’s what he said:
“I like the mentality between them (Mustafi and Koscielny). They have the right guys in there now who have the willingness to defend and that is key. They’re mobile but calm; they can pass the ball around the back or pick the right ball or find row Z if needed. There is a nice balance between those guys.”
He’s right you know - both Mustafi and Koscielny are very well rounded defenders that are capable of doing everything. Mustafi is a good calm presence in that back four and his passing is very strong, but Koscielny isn’t far behind in that respect. It may have seemed a lot of money, £35million to bring Mustafi to the club - but the way he has settled instantly into a new club and a new league is very promising, particulaly considering he is aged just 24. He already has so much playing experience, at club and international level and you can see that by the way he plays on the pitch.
But Campbell also had praise for his other former clubs defence, Tottenham ahead of the North London Derby on Sunday.
“The Spurs back four have struck up the right relationships too and Wanyama is in there now making a difference in the centre. The full-backs get back well but it’s down to the opposition to exploit them when they’re open. Because they have a lot of possession there is less opportunity for the opposition to counteract and score”
Whose defence will come out on top on Sunday, or will we see Tottenham involved in another 0-0 draw? Arsenal need to find a way of breaking down the so far, statistically best defence in the league, whilst also making sure they maintain a strong defence and keep a vital clean sheet. Koscielny and Mustafi will have a lot to say about that and if they can keep up performances of recent weeks, bar a few mistakes, then Arsenal can have a lot of trust that their defence will keep Tottenham’s timid attack quiet.
Read the full 888sport interview with Sol Campbell, including how in the groove Sanchez is the man to fire Arsenal to the title
