Arsenal icon talks Saka, Vinicius, Mbappe, Alexander-Arnold, Mendy – ‘Best in the world for Real Madrid’ | OneFootball

Former Arsenal and Spain defender Nacho Monreal spoke to AS earlier today ahead of the UEFA Champions League encounter between the Gunners and Real Madrid.

Having played 251 matches for Arsenal, won six trophies, and become a fan favourite during his six and a half years at the club, Monreal is well-placed to reflect on the high-stakes Champions League quarter-final clash between two giants of European football.

Monreal acknowledged the respect Arsenal fans and staff have for Real Madrid leading up to the game, saying:

“They are admired and respected because they are one of the biggest clubs in the world and the one that has won the most Champions Leagues. In every way it is an admirable entity and of enormous dimension.”

The former left-back also acknowledged the Merengues’ track record against English clubs, as he said:

“That statistic says it all. The numbers do not lie. Madrid are favourites in almost every match and in recent years they have further increased their legend.”

Looking at individual talents, Monreal singled out Bukayo Saka as a vital figure for Arsenal, as he said:

“Saka is the great hope of Arsenal. He is a young guy, from the academy, who has absorbed his passion for the team since he was a child and now he is the standard-bearer and the leader. His performance is spectacular and he has a huge influence.”

On Madrid’s recent domestic slip-up against Valencia, he said: “A defeat like that always creates doubts in the dressing room. In any case, these are experienced players used to playing at the highest level and I am sure they have reset and moved on.”

He also acknowledged the challenge of facing Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in the second leg of the quarter-finals, saying:

“We know the mystique of comebacks in that stadium, but playing the first leg at home can also be key to setting the course of the tie. If Arsenal go there with a good result, they already know from many other teams’ experience how to play there.”

Nacho Monreal has warned Arsenal against focusing on a single threat vs Madrid. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Speaking about Real Madrid’s defensive setup, he acknowledged its inconsistencies, stating:

“It is a team that is irregular in defence. Some days they play poorly and others it is very difficult to create chances against them. Madrid love end-to-end football and exchanging blows because that is where quality usually decides.

“Defensively they suffer at times and sometimes it is because their defenders also think more about attacking than defending.”

At the same time, he warned Arsenal against focusing on just one threat, stating: “It would be a mistake to focus on one or two because they are all very good.

“If Vinicius does not have a good day, Mbappe can cause chaos and if Rodrygo is off, Bellingham or Brahim can step up. The tie against Real Sociedad was decided by Tchouameni and Rudiger, the concern has to be about the whole group.”

Monreal praised Trent Alexander-Arnold as a potential signing for Real Madrid, saying: “He is a great signing. I think he is a fantastic player and he has been showing it for many years. He would be very good for Madrid, especially now without Carvajal.

“Having Arnold means strengthening that position magnificently because he is a player with a lot of quality, experience and a great delivery.”

Addressing concerns about Arnold’s defending, he clarified: “It is not his strong point, but he is not weak. If he were, he would not have been a starter at Liverpool for so long and standing out so much.

“It is true that he is better known for his crossing and assists, but he is not as weak in defence as some think.”

On whether Alexander-Arnold can replace Dani Carvajal, Monreal noted: “What he will provide is peace of mind to Ancelotti. Both are magnificent and when they are fully fit it will be a tough choice.”

Closing the conversation, Monreal stood firm in his belief about Real Madrid’s best option at left-back, stating Ferland Mendy is the best out there as far as the Merengues are concerned.

“In my opinion, Mendy is the best left-back in the world for Real Madrid. In a team where almost everyone attacks, you need someone like him defensively. When he is at his best level, there is no left-back who offers as much defensively,” he stated.

“It is true that there are players in that position who are flashier and more attacking, but if we talk about what Madrid need in that role, there is no one like him.”

The former left-back refrained from making predictions for tonight’s encounter, saying: “No. Anything can happen. In this kind of duel between two great teams, the result depends on accuracy or mistakes and on specific details. It will be a tie of the highest level.”