Wenger Explains Nasri's New Central Role For Arsenal

Samir Nasri's impact at Arsenal was instant. Not only did he get off to a scoring debut - within three minutes of the birth of the season - but he also seemed to develop a fluid telepathic understanding with full back Gael Clichy that prompted some commentators to spout how the pair were reminiscent of Ashley Cole and Robert Pires while the latter were in their pomp.

Nasri has since gone on to contribute significantly to Arsenal's big games, including bagging a brace and sealing a win almost single-handedly against Premier League rivals Manchester United in early November.

For the majority of the games he has been fielded in thus far though he has been deployed in the left flank, hence the comparisons to Pires. His quick mobility, good vision, and outstanding technique would only aid that analogy.

In recent games though the 21-year old has been subject to a tactical switch, and Wenger has opted to select the attack-minded midfielder in more of a central role while captain Cesc Fabregas recovers from injury.

During the Bolton Wanderers game Nasri was pulled inside after the break in order to offer some creativity through the middle. On giving his reasons as to why he made the switch, Wenger is quoted by the club's official website as saying:

"He gave us a little bit more creativity in the centre, especially in a tight game like that.

"Of course, he [Nasri] is a link player and can also pass people.

"From then on it became a little bit more difficult for Bolton. It was my idea - sometimes accidentally I have them," he joked.

In the absence of Tomas Rosicky, Theo Walcott, and Cesc Fabregas, the burden of creative ingenuity has fallen on the shoulders of Samir Nasri.

The potential signing of Russian playmaker Andrei Arshavin though may help the side in this department. A bid of £10 million has reportedly been rebuffed, but the two clubs remain in negotiations.

Alan Dawson, Goal.com