Bastian Schweinsteiger a big fan of Gunners star Mertesacker.
Bayern Munich Bastian Schweinsteiger believes his Germany teammate Per Mertesacker has turned Arsenal into a complete team.
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The will pair go head-to-head on Thursday when Bayern visit the Emirates Stadium in the Champions League last-16 first leg and Schweinsteiger praised the impact his compatriot has made in North London.
“For many seasons Arsenal have been admired across Europe for their attacking play – but perhaps where they sometimes let themselves down was in defence.
“Per has made them one of the most defensively solid teams in England – and they look to have addressed their problems.
“It was always going to take Per time to adjust to a new league – but now we see him for what he is which is one of the best central defenders in Europe with fantastic positional awareness and real leadership qualities.”
Bayern won 3-1 at the Emirates last season before going on to win the Champions League.
Arsenal’s 2-0 second leg win in Munich was not enough to get Arsene Wenger’s men through but revitalised the Gunners’ flagging season
Bayern are again seen as favourites to progress but Schweinsteiger is not getting carried away.
He said: “Arsenal have led the Premier League in England for a lot of this season – so we are aware it will be a very big test.
“We got a very good result in London last season – but I think Arsenal are much improved now. We want to retain the Champions League – and believe that another positive result in London is very possible if we play at the level we are capable of.”
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