After a tough winter period Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette’s return to goal scoring form recently has delighted his club’s captain Per Mertesacker.
The Gunners paid Lyon a then club record £48 million to sign the France international last summer, but after starting the season in impressive form he had found life difficult in recent months.
The 26-year-old had not scored since January 21, but has now scored three in his last two games, after a goal against Stoke in the Premier League and a brace against CSKA Moscow in his sides Europa League quarter-final first leg.
“I was delighted for Alexandre Lacazette to score another two goals [against CSKA] because I witnessed how hard he worked when he was injured,” Mertesacker said.
“Laca is one of many players who can make the difference for us. If you get the ball to him in the box, you know that he has the ability to score from anywhere.
“That’s a strength we must identify and take advantage of. Laca really deserves these goals – he’s rewarding himself and all of us for his hard work.”
“I’m really pleased because he’s a true team player.”
Many felt that Lacazette’s Arsenal career could be short lived after Arsene Wenger shelled out £60 million to striker sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund in January.
However, the French coach has hinted that he would be willing to change his tactical set up in order to accommodate both of his talented attackers.
Lacazette has scored 12 goals and provided three assists so far this campaign, and Gunners fans will be hopeful he can finish the season strongly, especially in the Europa League as Aubameyang is ineligible to play in the competition due to his previous club Dortmund’s involvement in the tournament.
