Mikel Arteta has described Pablo Mari as a leader in the team, and hailed his role in our return to form.
The Spaniard missed around six months of action after limping off against Manchester City in the first game back after the Coronavirus hampered the schedule list last term.
The defender was then integrated slowly back into the fold, mostly featuring the Europa League, and his first start of the PL campaign came against Chelsea on Boxing Day, and he hasn’t looked back since.
Hear the manager’s comments on our centre-back below.
Mikel Arteta is full of praise for Pablo Mari, who is described as a leader for Arsenal 👊👊👊
Has his return to the line-up been understated in importance in regards of our form? 🔴⚪️🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/Nt88emq0Ph
— Just Arsenal News (@JustArsenal) January 11, 2021
Will Mari keep Gabriel out of the side, or could the pair’s performances this term mean it is Rob Holding and David Luiz who will be watching from the sidelines?
Patrick
Nah. It’s Rob and any of Mari or Gabriel for balance at the back
Mari and Gaby and both lefties
Ive been impressed with Mari against the lower positioned teams he is a very able back up. Where he will struggle on a regular basis is against the better teams with mobile quick forward lines. Surprised by his ability but i would like to see a lot more to say he can be our center back for the future.
Luiz and Gabriel best partners at moment but cant fault Holding and Mari for their efforts. Good position to be in.
Reggie, He has played well against Chelski and the other teams. I think he is really good with less mistakes. Luis and Holding have mistakes in them.
The only problem he can not partner Gaby and they are both lefties. But I would pick him ahead of Luis and Holding.
Luiz was the dominant center back against Newcastle, very impressed how he dealt with Andy Carrol in one on ones, Luiz bossed him. For me Luiz is far more streetwise and a great partner for the younger Gabriel. But like i say Holding and Mari able debuties at the moment.
Mari was impressive against Chelski, or are you saying they’re not a top team?? He is clearly a leader…
Keep Holding and Mari together. Gabriel looks to h@ve a mistake in him. Holding about to sign a new contract according to Arteta, good news!
One thing for sure, two left footed centre backs will never work.In the case of the four players mentioned, they have one thing in common in that they all lack pace and because of this Arteta will not be able to play a high line in defense.With Elneny and Xhaka in midfield we are a team which is lacking in speed in vital areas and this is a major issue which must be addressed if we are to challenge the top sides.
Wisdom from Grandad.
Prior end of xmas 2020, that is what ailed Arsenal. slow pace. Gaby is a bit fast though.
so play them according to opposition.
I like Luis when facing giants like the new castle guy Carrol. I also saw Luis destabilize Gerou during the FA cup finals.
I agree,Holding and Mari have done a sound job, keep them together they look a good pairing, I like Gabriel but he would have to be my back up at the moment.