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‘Alexis’ workrate is underestimated'

Alexis

From the formation of ‘Kostafi’ at the heart of our defence to our rotating central-midfield options, we have seen many different combinations this season, but the newest of them does not feature a summer signing.

Carl Jenkinson, back in Arsène Wenger’s team after two seasons on loan at West Ham United, lined up behind Alexis on our right flank for the very first time against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, and was taken aback by the Chile forward’s energy in defence and attack.

“It’s a pleasure to play behind a player like that,” Jenkinson told Arsenal Player. “On the ball he’s fantastic and people know what he offers and what he can bring, and just to see his workrate is great.

“People underestimate how hard he works sometimes because people always look at what he can do with the ball, but his workrate is exceptional. That’s always nice to have in front of you as a full back, to have that protection.

“The last thing you want is a winger who’s staying upfield, hugging the touchline and not helping you out defensively. With Alexis, he helps you out defensively as well as and when he can. It was a pleasure to play with him as I haven’t played with him before.

“It’s not just Alexis, though, this squad is riddled with world-class players,” Jenkinson added. "That’s the sort of environment I want to be in. I want to play with players of that character, of that stature, because I think it’ll bring the best out of me as a footballer.

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“Who wouldn’t want to be on a football pitch with players like that? I’ve been watching the boys from the sidelines for what seems like an eternity now because I’d been out for so long, but to be back on the pitch and playing with the boys has been a long time coming and I’m just enjoying every moment of that now.”

 

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