Lauren: Tactics that are popular today, Wenger was doing 20 years ago

Former Arsenal defender Lauren has told NewBettingSites.uk that Arsene Wenger is the best coach he has ever played under, praising his tactical innovations which he believes are key to the way many teams play today.

Speaking to NewBettingSites.uk, Lauren said: “I would never compare Arsene Wenger to any other coach – I don’t like to make comparisons. What I can say is that he was the best coach I’ve ever had. He brought innovation after innovation, especially from a tactical point of view.

“People now talk about the full-back position being different, but Wenger started that. Ashley Cole and I were not traditional full-backs, we were more like midfield players. People call it an innovation now, but Wenger was already doing it.

“You also see teams now playing with the back four on the half-way line, pressing high up the field. All of these things are starting to become the norm now, and Wenger was doing them 20 years ago with us. We had the back four high up on the pitch at the half-way line and the speed of the circulation of the ball was something new when Arsene introduced it. The system changed from 4-4-2 to 4-3-3 because one of the midfielders – generally Patrick Vieira or Gilberto Silva – would join the two strikers in attack. He was so innovative and ahead of his time.”

Fabregas could end up managing in Premier League

Lauren spent four years with Cesc Fabregas at Arsenal, and thinks his former teammate could end up managing in the Premier League, describing the current Como boss as a special talent.

“I think Cesc Fabregas will be a top manager,” said Lauren. “I don’t know whether or not he will end up at Arsenal, but I can see him managing in the Premier League one day.

“The mentality and footballing intelligence that I saw from him as a young player is still with him. It has carried into what he is doing now as a coach. He was a special player and a very special talent.”

Alexander-Arnold is the best right-back in the world

The former Arsenal defender also commented on one of the league’s leading right-backs, Trent Alexander-Arnold, labelling the Liverpool star as the best in the world in his position.

Speaking on rumours linking Alexander-Arnold with a move to Real Madrid, Lauren said: “I believe that Real Madrid are always going to target the best players in the world. In my opinion, Trent Alexander-Arnold is the best-right back at the moment.

“I can’t say whether or not he should make the move to Real Madrid this summer, that is a question that only he can answer.”

Mbeumo can take step up to big club

Another Premier League player linked with a move away from their current club is Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, whose six goals in eight games this season make Lauren believe that he is ready to take the step up to a bigger club.

“Bryan Mbeumo is a very good player,” said Lauren. “He’s very skilful and he’s capable of taking on defenders, which usually ends up in him getting a good shot off. He can play on the right-hand side and he cuts inside well. Another thing he’s actually very good at is playing between the lines. He’s very intelligent and he possesses the passing game that you need in order to do that.

“He’s a good player and now he could take the step up to a bigger club.”