Arsenal defender Sead Kolasinac now key player after fighting for future under Arsene Wenger, says Alan Smith
Sead Kolasinac has been key to Unai Emery's Arsenal revolution, according to former Gunners striker Alan Smith.
The defender has quietly impressed as Emery's side have embarked upon a 20-game unbeaten run which has strengthened the manager's bid to return the club to the Champions League in his maiden campaign.
Arsenal are only outside the top four on goal difference after Wednesday's 2-2 draw at Old Trafford, with Emery's methods helping create a feel-good factor among the clubs players and supporters.
And Smith believes Kolasinac, who has started each of the last five Premier League games after failing to nail down his spot under Wenger last term, has been key to Arsenal's resurgence.
"Sead Kolasinac’s form has slipped under the radar," wrote Smith in his Standard Sport column. "Arsenal’s left-back is putting in some committed displays to lend the side a dangerous attacking threat as well as a natural defiance on the back foot.
"Getting fitter and sharper after a good run of games, Kolasinac is finally proving he can thrive at this level.
"Arsene Wenger, for one, did not seem sure. After buying him, Wenger appeared to quickly lose faith in the barrel-chested battler. You wondered if the lad had a future at the club.
"But he seems to have one now and is turning into a key player who has fully bought in to Unai Emery’s ways."
