Arsenal full-back Mathieu Debuchy has said that he was surprised at the level of competition for places at the club, claiming it is harder there than anywhere else he’s been, according to the Daily Star.
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Having already starred for the likes of Lille and Newcastle, the France international linked up with the Gunners last summer, but after a series of injuries over the course of the campaign he admits he is facing a serious battle to reclaim his place in the side.
Debuchy hasn’t played in the league since the middle of January, and has since been forced to watch the likes of Hector Bellerin and Calum Chambers fill in.
The 29-year-old knows that he may struggle to reclaim his regular right-back berth, but knows that the competitive nature of the squad will mean that they will be spurred on to achieve greater things in the future.
“I think [this is the most intense competition I have had], yes.
“We have a lot of good players who can play at right back, I think of Hector and Calum. They have both done well this season.
“They are young and talented, with a huge potential to become very good players.
“They’ve proved so far this season that they have the qualities to be at Arsenal.
“We have a very good relationship between us, good affinities as with the rest of the team.
“We do some very good work in training, and it is always better to train in this environment. We’ve never had any problems between us.
“Arsenal is a big club and it is normal to be in competition with other players.
“This is how football works. I believe it makes everyone more competitive, and it is good for the club.”
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