Speaking to UEFA ahead of Arsenal’s Europa League tie with Villarreal, Unai Emery has waxed-lyrical about Mohamed Elneny.
The Villarreal boss was understandably asked about Arsenal’s squad ahead of this big European clash on Thursday.
Emery of course knows Elneny well from his time at the Emirates, and it’s clear that the Egyptian is still a player he very much admires.
“Many of the players I coached are still there. I have fond memories of them: Hector Bellerin, [Calum] Chambers, [Rob] Holding: exceptional guys; [Mohamed] Elneny, who is an extraordinary player and an extraordinary person,” Emery said.
It’s somewhat surprising to hear Emery speak about Elneny this way.
Let’s not forget, Emery loaned Elneny out during his time at Arsenal, and the Egyptian has even gone on the record to speak about his unfair treatment under the former Arsenal boss.
Perhaps these comments are a bit of mind games from Emery ahead of this crucial Europa League clash.
Let’s be frank, Elneny isn’t one of Arsenal’s best players, he joined for just £7m, and he isn’t one of the first names on the teamsheet, so for Emery to single him out as an ‘extraordinary’ player does seem a bit strange, especially when you consider that the Spaniard rarely used him when he was in charge at the Emirates.
Whether or not Elneny plays on Thursday or not remains to be seen, but if he does, Emery will be coming up against a player he really rates.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
