Wenger delighted with Gallas form

13 October 2009 12:32
Arsene Wenger has hailed William Gallas' influence on Arsenal's new-look defence.[LNB] The veteran centre-back was on target for France in Saturday's 5-0 World Cup qualifying win over Faroe Islands, which secured a place in the play-offs, as he added to his three goals for the Gunners.[LNB] "William Gallas has had a fine start to the season, which is down to both his attitude and the quality of the player," said Wenger.[LNB] It has certainly been quite a transformation for the former Chelsea man, who this time last year was stripped of the Arsenal captaincy after publicly questioning the mentality of Wenger's young squad.[LNB] To his credit, Gallas has returned stronger for the whole experience and is now one of Arsenal's most consistent performers, and has quickly struck up an impressive partnership with £10million summer-signing Thomas Vermaelen following the sale of Kolo Toure to Manchester City.[LNB] "It can happen that any player has highs and lows in his career, but I must say his form now is a consequence of the way he behaves every day," he added. "He behaves 100% as a professional and is highly focused in training."[LNB] Wenger indicated he will look to discus a new deal for Gallas, 32, at the end of the year as from January the defender will be free to talk to other clubs.[LNB] The Arsenal manager has been impressed with the way Gallas and Vermaelen have developed an understanding in such a short space of time.[LNB] "The partnership between William and Thomas Vermaelen has gelled more quickly than I expected," the Arsenal boss said.[LNB] "This is for two reasons; first of all, Vermaelen adapted faster, and secondly William fits more comfortably on the right side of a central defence than on the left."

Source: Eurosport