Arsenal forward Danny Welbeck has praised Arsene Wenger for both his man-management skills and his tactical acumen.
The long-serving Gunners manager, whose previous contract was due to run out at the end of last season, found solace in a difficult 2016-17 campaign with victory in the FA Cup over Chelsea.
Arsenal's revival, instigated by switching to a 3-4-2-1 system in mid-March, was followed up by Wenger penning a new two-year deal at the Emirates Stadium.
Welbeck told the Evening Standard: "The boss has been nothing but brilliant since I came here. I've had some difficult times being out of action, twice, and he has always given me advice and shown faith in me. I was really pleased when it was announced he was staying.
"The new system enabled us to get behind opposing defences a bit more and so it worked really well for me. We can now play in a number of formations and they all suit me, to be honest. The main thing for me is that I'm on that pitch; I need to be playing!"
Arsenal will face Chelsea at Wembley Stadium again this weekend as the sides contest the Community Shield ahead of the start of the new Premier League season.
Giuseppe Labellarte
