Arsene Wenger says playing away from home is the ultimate test of a player’s character and bravery.
The Gunners have the second best away form in the Premier League so far this season, having won three of their four matches.
Wenger says performing without the “protection” of a home crowd offers a valuable insight into a player’s psyche.
“You could say it’s linked more to bravery - your character is more tested away from home,” the manager told Arsenal Player. “At home you feel the players are a bit more protected.
“But what I say to my scouts is, ‘Watch this player for me, but watch him in an away game.’ You want to know how he behaves away from home because usually at home you will be all right.
“If a scout comes to me and says he has found a good player, I ask where he saw him. If it was at home, I tell them to go and watch them away as well because it’s a better test of their character, their bravery and their desire.
“Once a player is good away from home, you can say you will consider him.”
Francis Coquelin adorns the October issue of the Arsenal Magazine
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