Attacking fullback Andre Santos says he is learning to adapt to the demands of English football, and is enjoying his transition to North London.
The Brazilian has been a regular since his move from Fenerbahce in the summer, providing strong competition for the injury prone Kieran Gibbs at left-back. Santos has already notched as many goals as former left-back Gael Clichy in only seven appearances, netting vital goals against Olympiacos and Chelsea in recent weeks.
Speaking to Arsenal’s official site he discussed his positive adaption to English football and his Arsenal ambitions for this season:
English football is indeed very different. But I’m adapting well, I’m getting used to playing more at the back and reading the game better. But I will still go forward if I have the opportunity.
I think all our new signings integrated really well into the team, the squad is of high quality and I hope to make a difference to Arsenal’s campaign.
The top four is where Arsenal deserves to be. It’s an excellent club, one that has been home to many great players, with an outstanding manager and a great squad.
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I hope we can improve with every round to climb the table and keep pushing forward.
He is adapting well, especially after a very questionable first appearance, however the Brazilian international still has a long way to go to become a top class Premier League back. He has all the attacking attributes, but his defensive tracking and tackling is often very worrying which was plainly seen against Marseille. With Gibbs returning to full fitness who do you think should be starting? If Santos works harder on his defending in training and is smarter with his runs forward (perhaps not as often) then he can become a strong defensive leftback, but there is no questions is talented going forward.
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