Arsenal's new left-back Nacho Monreal believes the team's fluid passing style will help him adapt quickly to life in the Premier League following his deadline day transfer from Malaga.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger made a late move for Monreal after learning that England left-back Kieran Gibbs could be sidelined for two months with a thigh injury.
The 26-year-old is set to make his debut in Saturday's clash against Stoke just 48 hours after completing his switch to north London and that could come as quite a culture shock after his time in the less physical La Liga.
But the Spain international is confident that Arsenal's commitment to passing football will suit his own skills and help his transition.
"Arsenal like to keep the ball, which is beneficial for me and I like this part of the team's game," he told Arsenal Media.
"I love playing with the ball at my feet, short, sharp touches, and good movement.
"I think Arsenal do have certain elements of the Spanish football philosophy.
"The Spanish people know that there are players of great quality in this team and I hope we can play good football."
Monreal is well aware that he will face far more the physical challenges in English football and he is determined to prove he has the character to cope.
"The Premier League is one of the strongest there is and everyone knows about it," he said.
"It is a completely different way of playing to the Spanish League - it's a lot more physical, for example. As the days go by I will get used to things and I will give my all."
Monreal admits he spoke to Santi Cazorla, his former Malaga team-mate now in the Arsenal squad, before completing the transfer and heard nothing but good things about the Gunners.
"I spoke to Santi, we had a long conversation about things. I asked how things were here and he only had very positive things to say," Monreal added.
"He said that the club was a massive club, the people are great and it's really just a big family.
"As there's a familiar face in Santi, I am a lot calmer about things. Having shared a dressing room with someone who's already made this journey is a good feeling. Now it's my turn and I can't wait to follow in his footsteps.
"I am sure we can be successful this season and I am really looking forward to the challenge."
Source: AFP
