Rio Ferdinand has praised Arsenal’s defence and feels that in Hector Bellerin they have the best right-back in the Premier League.
The Gunners are currently on a run of 14 games unbeaten built on a solid defensive foundation that has conceded just 10 goals in 10 Premier League games.
Summer signing Shkodran Mustafi has formed a super central defensive partnership with Laurent Koscielny while Bellerin is a man reportedly wanted by Manchester City and Barcelona such have been the quality of his displays.
Ferdinand admits he has been impressed by the Arsenal back four and says they are a vast improvement on seasons past.
“This is the best back four I have seen at Arsenal for many a year. They are settled and look confident,” he wrote in his column for the Evening Standard.
“Laurent Koscielny has been one of the most consistent defenders for the last few seasons and has found a great partner in summer signing Shkodran Mustafi.
“But their improvement at the back this season is not just about Koscielny and Mustafi. I like the full-backs they have too.
“Hector Bellerin is probably the best right-back in the Premier League right now. He is supremely quick, not shy in getting forward, but likes to defend as well.
“Nacho Monreal has turned into a consistent left-back. There are no frills about him, but he is comfortable on the ball in possession and a good defender too.
“I think keeper Petr Cech has also helped settle things down. His influence on the back four shouldn’t be underestimated.”
Ferdinand also thinks that the defence should be in for a comfortable evening against Ludogorets on Tuesday, having already beaten the Bulgarian minnows 6-0 at the Emirates.
“Arsenal’s success in the early years of Wenger’s reign was built on a solid back four and if they can get that right again now, they will have a good chance of winning silverware,” he added.
“But after all this talk of defence, I don’t expect them to be too troubled away in Ludogorets tonight and they should win to go through to the last 16 with two games to spare.”
While Bellerin has not travelled for Tuesday’s clash, Arsenal’s defence will still be hoping for another clean sheet against Ludogorets. The Gunners are huge favourites to pick up all three points and all but confirm their status in the knockout stages.