Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has leapt to the defence of manager Arsene Wenger over his transfer policy.
The Gunners chief has been frequently criticised for being reluctant to spend big money in the transfer window, having sold Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri, Robin van Persie and Alex Song in the last two years.
However, Wilshere believes that the Frenchman's replacements have been top quality and has praised his boss's actions in the transfer market.
"It is strange because last time I played was with Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri, Alex Song and Robin van Persie," said Wilshere. "Now there's the likes of Podolski, Giroud, Cazorla and Mikel Arteta.
"The boss has done excellently. He's bought well. These players are proper footballers - they understand the game and they've been around.
"To play with someone like Santi Cazorla is so easy. He understands football, even little things like the pace of the pass he gives you, and his movement is outstanding. You look at someone like Lukas Podolski, he's got over 100 caps for his country. They're top players and it's easy to come into a team where they understand football so well."
Arsenal host Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby on Saturday.
Matt Cotton
