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Thomas Vermaelen: Arsenal’s rotation policy at centre-back is healthy competition
The Belgian has not played every game since returning from injury, but believes that the Gunners can prosper whether it be he, Per Mertesacker or Laurent Koscielny in defence
24 Nov 2011 13:21:00
By George Ankers
Getty
Thomas Vermaelen believes that the competition for places at centre-back is healthy for Arsenal, with Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny both vying with him for game time.
Since the Belgian’s return from injury he has featured in rotation with his two colleagues, and the policy appears to have paid off on the pitch, the Gunners having won eight of their last nine games.
“The boss has a lot of choices at the moment, and all of the centre-backs are fit which helps too,” the 26-year-old explained to the club’s official website.
“There’s a lot of competition and that can only be good for the team.
“It’s good to be able to rest players when they need it, so I don’t think it’s a problem if we have to rotate because we train together all the time.
“We know each other’s qualities, so it doesn’t matter who plays on the day.”
The Belgium international believes he has learned a great deal about the art of defending since his arrival at the Emirates Stadium from Ajax in 2009.
“I must say that in the last few years here at Arsenal I have learnt a lot about good positioning,” he admitted.
“I’ve also learnt a lot about organisation and talking to the players in front of you, because if you can help them know where they should be as well, it makes your job easier too.
“I think that’s what you learn when you get older.”
Vermaelen started alongside Koscielny in Wednesday’s 2-1 Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund, and will be looking to keep his place for the Premier League visit of Fulham on Saturday.
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Since the Belgian’s return from injury he has featured in rotation with his two colleagues, and the policy appears to have paid off on the pitch, the Gunners having won eight of their last nine games.
“The boss has a lot of choices at the moment, and all of the centre-backs are fit which helps too,” the 26-year-old explained to the club’s official website.
“There’s a lot of competition and that can only be good for the team.
“It’s good to be able to rest players when they need it, so I don’t think it’s a problem if we have to rotate because we train together all the time.
“We know each other’s qualities, so it doesn’t matter who plays on the day.”
The Belgium international believes he has learned a great deal about the art of defending since his arrival at the Emirates Stadium from Ajax in 2009.
“I must say that in the last few years here at Arsenal I have learnt a lot about good positioning,” he admitted.
“I’ve also learnt a lot about organisation and talking to the players in front of you, because if you can help them know where they should be as well, it makes your job easier too.
“I think that’s what you learn when you get older.”
Vermaelen started alongside Koscielny in Wednesday’s 2-1 Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund, and will be looking to keep his place for the Premier League visit of Fulham on Saturday.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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