Arsenal's Shkodran Mustafi: Laurent Koscielny understands the things I do and I understand these things he does

Dynamic duo: Mustafi and Koscielny have the makings of an impressive pairing
Arsenal FC via Getty Images
James Benge14 October 2016

They may have only started six matches together but Shkodran Mustafi believes he is already building a strong understanding with new Arsenal team-mate Laurent Koscielny.

Arsene Wenger’s side have kept clean sheets in the last three matches in which Mustafi and Koscielny have started with the German international earning plentiful plaudits for his recent performances, including a man of the match award after the 1-0 win over Burnley.

The £35million summer signing from Valencia has evidently settled quickly in the Premier League and he believes that is partly down to his new partner in the Arsenal backline.

“We are quite similar in the style of playing, he understands things that I do, I understand things that he does,” Mustafi told Arsenal Player. “If you play with someone who understands football in a different way, it’s even more difficult to get on with.

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“But if you have someone next to you that sees football the same way you see football and that you think football, I think it’s easier to play with.

“I’m happy to have someone next to me that my understanding is good with, but I think it’s not about me and Lolo, I think it’s about all of the team.

“I think we are doing really good in the last games and obviously that gives us less to do at the back, so the few things we have to do, I think we dealt with it well. But I think the credit goes to the whole team.”

Mustafi and Koscielny are expected to be paired together for Saturday’s home clash with Swansea as Arsenal look to continue a Premier League winning streak that has already reached five matches.

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