Theo Walcott has revealed who is one of the first names of the team sheet at Arsenal.
Walcott suggested that Francis Coquelin has become a key part of the team, and even suggests he trains at 100%, an area the Frenchman has often been criticised.
“I’ve been at the club for nine years and Francis has been there. He has been in and out of the team but he has always shown good character and has done well to get back into the side,” Walcott explained.
“At the moment, he is one of the first names on the teamsheet. He trains at 100 per cent, always committed. His English is perfect, he is a well-spoken lad and is a real winner on the pitch.”
Coquelin was of course on loan at Charlton at the start of the season, and if Jack Wilshere and Mikel Arteta did not get injured, then it’s very possible that the French midfielder would have been released at the end of the season, due to his contract running out.
Coquelin and Walcott have been at the club for nine years together, but last year it seemed very unlikely that Coquelin would be the first name on the team sheet, ahead of Walcott himself. It’s a remarkable turnaround and one that shows any squad player that hard work really pays off. Let’s hope Coquelin can keep up this brilliant form at the base of the midfield.
It must also be remembered that Coquelin is only 23, he has plenty of time to improve and become an even better and more complete defensive midfielder.