Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger sings Thomas Vermaelen’s praises

Arsene Wenger admits it is “difficult” for the Arsenal manager to switch up his current centre-half pairing of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny to make space for Thomas Vermaelen.

Arsenal captain Vermaelen has started all of the Gunners’ Premier League game on the bench since his return from injury, with Mertesacker and Koscielny Wenger’s current first-choice pairing.

But Wenger has praised the Belgium international for his “fantastic” attitude, despite the defender seeing his first-team opportunities limited so far this season.

“Vermaelen is my captain so I rate him but it’s difficult to change the current pair,” said Wenger. “Unfortunately when you have 20 good players, nine good players don’t play.

“That is the job of the players, to compete. We are in a job where you have to be ready when you are needed.”

Wenger continued: “The big players want to be with big players; the disadvantage of being with big players is that you are not that sure you play.

“I named him [Thomas] captain because he is a player you rate and a player with good behaviour as well.

“He is a top guy with a fantastic attitude.”