The defender arrived in a big-money move from Valencia this summer.
Picture Supplied by Action Images
Former Arsenal star Martin Keown has told FourFourTwo it will be important forShkodran Mustafi to have leadership qualities if he is to play alongside Laurent Koscielny.
The German international arrived at the Emirates towards the end of the transfer window in a big-money move from Valencia.
He has been brought in to add some much-needed quality to a defence short on options following injuries to Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista.
He is likely to be partnered alongside Koscielny in the centre of defence, with the Frenchman very much first choice in Arsene Wenger’s team.
Arsenal's Laurent Koscielny and West Brom's Salomon Rondon in action
And Keown says it will be important for Mustafi to have leadership qualities if he is to play alongside the Frenchman.
“He comes with the right sort of pedigree and I hope he comes with some leadership qualities as well,” he told FourFourTwo.
“That’s something I feel is important if he’s going to play alongside Koscielny. He has developed a long way but Per Mertesacker has very much been the leader of the pair, so Mustafi must have those similar qualities as well.”
Picture Supplied by Action Images
It will certainly be interesting to see if the arrival of Mustafi has a positive effect upon Laurent Koscielny.
The Frenchman is highly regarded, to say the least, with it having been suggested he is among the best in the Premier League by some.
However, it has often been felt that he has lacked a serious partner to help take his game to the next level and if Mustafi can prove to be that man, then his price tag may end up looking like a bargain.
Arsenal Legends coach Arsene Wenger