Mertesacker impressing Wenger

Published Sep. 27, 2011 3:15 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Germany international was snapped up by Wenger before the transfer window closed to bolster the club's leaky backline. Mertesacker has been with Arsenal a month and Wenger believes his leadership qualities are having a big impact on the side. The vastly-experienced defender turns 27 this week and the French tactician feels he is now beginning to show his true form. "Per is getting stronger and stronger," explained Wenger. "He is calm, intelligent and he is now showing clearly that he can lead the defence." The former Werder Bremen defender is enthused by Wenger's praise, although he knows he needs to keep working on his game. "If the coach is praising me, that is of course a great thing to hear," said the 76-cap international defender. "But I have to keep working on things, I know I can play even better. I want to put in some good work, especially on defence, that's my job."