‘Experienced’ Stephan Lichtsteiner will ‘improve’ Arsenal
Unai Emery believes that Stephan Lichtsteiner will ‘improve’ Arsenal’s overall performances after joining the north-Londoners from Juventus for free on Tuesday, their first signing of the summer transfer window and undoubtedly one of the club’s most practiced, proven acquisitions in recent seasons.
The 34-year-old right-back, who will captain Switzerland at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, is a travelled professional having begun his career in 2001 at Swiss outfit Grasshopper Zurich and has laid claim to a glittering array of personal and collective accolades throughout his career at a number of notable dynasties.
Jumping ship from SS Lazio, where he won an Italian Cup as well as an Italian Super Cup, to the Bianconeri in 2011, Lichtsteiner played a pivotal part in helping the Turin-based club collect 7 consecutive Serie A titles amongst other prestigious domestic gongs, indefinite verification of his reputable status and influence in his defensive department.
Being a veteran, many are understandably dubious to the athleticism and dynamism he’ll offer the Gunners’ rearguard, although having recognised the gruelling challenges ahead of him in the planet’s most competitive division, the Premier League, Lichtsteiner is ultimately determined to contribute positively to his new employer’s prosperity in terms of clasping silverware.
Emery took the reins from Arsene Wenger last month and is a respected, shrewd operator, and if he’s to craft a glowing chapter of his own in Arsenal’s technical area, the former Sevilla FC and Paris Saint-Germain boss will have to invest every ounce of faith into his set-up, Lichtsteiner included, evidently.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Emery, 46, offered a vibrant report of Lichtsteiner and what he expects from the accomplished defender during his stay at the Emirates, which has only just begun.
“Stephan brings huge experience and leadership to our squad. He’s a player with great quality with a very positive and determined attitude. Stephan will improve us on and off the pitch.” He said.
