Arsene Wenger has praised Shkodran Mustafi’s leadership qualities and likened the defender to Per Mertesacker.
“First of all, he’s similar to Per on a mental front, but of course he’s 10 years younger, and he’s a leader, he’s a motivator,” Wenger said.
“He has a strong focus, and he’s strong in the challenge. He had an outstanding performance against Tottenham. In the air he was good. He started a bit nervy and slowly became stronger and stronger.”
After joining Arsenal from Valencia last year, Mustafi endured an inconsistent first season in England and he was linked with a move to Inter Milan last summer.
Wenger, however, insisted the 25-year-old was “not close” to exiting the Gunners and Mustafi also laughed off the suggestion.
“You like to say this s—,” said a smiling Mustafi.
“Obviously, because you’re asking me about it, it’s your job, as are the people from outside, talking and thinking that they know everything. In the end, what happens in the changing room is the real thing.
“I don’t understand why people are just talking about things. How can they know? How can they know if I have or haven’t been talking to clubs? It’s just rumours.”
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