Francis Coquelin has expressed his desire to emulate Patrick Vieira in the heart of Arsenal's midfield.
The 23-year-old has become an integral part of Arsene Wenger's side since his return from a loan spell with Charlton Athletic in December, putting in several solid displays in a defensive midfield role.
Coquelin has insisted that he has a long way to go to match the level of performances Vieira put in for the Gunners during his stay in the Premier League, but is hopeful of securing the role for the foreseeable future.
He told reporters: "I'm not going to say I am. Obviously I want to be, but I think it's down to the performance I put in every week so I'm just trying to give me best every game so hopefully I can do that in the long term.
"As a French person, you look at other French people. But there is one you haven't mentioned who I looked up to - even if he didn't play much for Arsenal. Lassana Diarra is a player I really liked. I think he was quite similar to the way I play, his aggression quite similar what I'm trying to do. He is a player I really like.
"I'm trying to do the defensive work for the players who play up front, trying to give my best, get the ball as quick as possible to play it to the players who have got a little bit more ability than me on the ball. Santi Cazorla, Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez... we've got a lot of quality. I think we lacked a little bit of aggression in midfield and that's what I'm trying to bring to the team."
Coquelin has made 21 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions this season.
Simon Sinclair
