The German defender joined Arsenal in the summer transfer window.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has told the club’s official website that Shkodran Mustafi’s quick integration has surprised him.
The defender joined the Gunners in the summer transfer window in a big money move from La Liga side Valencia.
Some questioned the move at the time, especially given the large fee that Arsenal paid to bring him to the Emirates Stadium.
He has since dispelled any doubts with a series of impressive performances, forming a solid partnership with fellow centre-back Laurent Koscielny.
So far the Gunners have gone unbeaten in all the games the duo have played together, while they have also managed clean sheets in their last two matches.
That will have delighted Wenger but he admits that the speed in which Mustafi has settled in has surprised him.
“Koscielny is the leader because he is captain but Mustafi looks like he is taking leadership as well at the back,” he told the club’s official website.
“What is surprising is how quickly he has integrated into the team at the back and how quickly they have formed a pair that works well together.”
Arsenal will now be hoping that Mustafi can continue to show this kind of form for the rest of the season.
His partnership with Koscielny has been a major part of their strong start to the campaign, helping them to enjoy the third best defensive record so far.
His biggest test may come on Sunday when the Gunners take on Burnley at Turf Moor, with the Clarets direct style likely to provide a stern test of his ability.
If he can come through it with another impressive display then he will certainly look like a smart signing this summer.
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