2. Francis Coquelin is another passionate Frenchman
With 71 touches of the ball Francis Coquelin was a busy man against Aston Villa. The 23-year old Frenchman brought his passion to the field as well as what appeared to be a fiery temperament on Sunday. Since being recalled from his loan to Charlton due to Arsenal’s injury crisis, the young midfielder has been pretty impressive on the pitch. So much so that he’s been offered a new contract with Arsenal, although Wenger’s still waiting for him to sign on the dotted line. Coquelin is not shy when it comes to taking possession of the ball. In fact, WhoScored.com list tackling and ball interception as two of his strongest attributes. In the 10th and 12th minutes of the match Coquelin was pulled up by the referee, Anthony Taylor, for two fouls. You could tell Coquelin was not happy. As far as Coquelin was concerned it was all in a day’s work. I’m not sure how I say “I love a bit of passion” without it being taken the wrong way but I hope that Coquelin is not so quick to temper when it matters most. Nobody wants to see him lose his cool and do a Giroud (vis-a-vis Olivier Giroud’s ‘headbutt’). With the chance of a golden career ahead of him he should concentrate his passion on playing football.