Andrey Arshavin is still an efficient player for Arsenal, according to
Arsene Wenger.
The Russian star put in a solid shift against Leeds United in the FA Cup
on Monday night, despite failing to get on the scoresheet.
Wenger believes that Arshavin's natural tendency to try and find the killer
ball can affect his passing statistics but he insists that the 30-year-old
is still delivering.
"He has always been a player who plays on the borderline, if you
look at the game against QPR," said Wenger. "He is a big gambler,
and at the end of the day he gave the ball to Robin van Persie to score
in that game. So he is always efficient.
"If you look at his numbers you are always surprised at how good
he is. Sometimes the visual impression you get from a game has been frustrating,
but he is very efficient. We can all have a big responsibility but we
need confidence for what we do."
Wenger intends to keep Arshavin at Emirates Stadium and he thinks confidence
is the only thing standing between the Russian and his best form.
"We know he has the talent," said the manager. "He's been
questioned many times but his attitude has always been spot on.
"In the last game, specifically, he showed that he needs to play
and needs confidence. He needs to play with confidence and freedom, that
is his strength. He is a creative player and you need that fraction of
belief and confidence to play with freedom."
