Just wanted a thread to mention that while some people had their doubts when we signed him and when he first started for us (him being extremely short of pace being a primary gripe), Wenger did a damn good job when he picked out Per Mertesacker for our defence. Bravo, BFG.
We've been missing a proper leader since Viera. You can tell he truly loves the club. Plus, he gives the players a right bollocking if they F up. We've missed a leader like that.
Best captain we have had since Adams. Amazing that he is not even the vice captain, but we all now seem him as the captain because of the way he goes about his business.
Wenger will make him captain next year. I've always had faith, proven by my shirt with his name on I bought the day we signed him.
Mertz was the missing piece of our defensive puzzle. His partnership with Kos is one of the best in the premiership and is one of the main reasons for us being number 1. His leadership is also something we lacked, and as Iceman said, he should be made captain of the team. A special mention goes out to Flamini for adding another layer of defensive and leadership. We have experience, leadership and a better reading of the game, which was previously missing.
Agree with lazarus here. Whilst I do love the BFG and his partnership with Koscielny (and in fact the entire defence) I think the other factor is how we've changed our style. Having Flamini + another sat in front of the them has made the world of difference. We're so much more balanced than before and I no longer wet myself whenever a team counter attacks because even if they get past our mental frenchman there's invariably a go-go gadget leg that appears from nowhere to nick the ball away! I seriously love the fact he can apparently tackle players from ten feet away! Also, for a man with zero pace he compensates brilliantly with his reading of the game and knowing where to be. There will be times where he's caught out occasionally (by speed) but that's where Kos compliments him so well with his pace, tackling and gloriously large ears which, I can only assume, aid him with his balance or something.
Agreed, the BFG and Kos are so different yet complement each other perfectly. Both Mertz and Flamini read the game really well and their experience helps us close games. Sometimes there is no replacing experience and both these two add it where we need it most.
