Mikel Arteta can learn from Stefano Pioli on how to stop PSG star who Thierry Henry thinks is the ‘full package’

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Arsenal take on PSG in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.

Arsenal have been handed a fitness boost as previously injured duo Mikel Merino and Ben White returned to training ahead of the visit of the French champions.

Merino could replace Thomas Partey in the Arsenal midfield after the Ghanaian’s suspension following a late booking picked up at the Bernabeu.

Unai Emery has beaten PSG this season with a counter attacking style and Mikel Arteta’s have also tasted success earlier in the campaign however, the importance of stopping one PSG star will be key once again at the Emirates Stadium.

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Mikel Arteta to learn from Stefano Pioli in stopping Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been in excellent form this season for both Napoli and PSG, contributing nine goals and eight assists across all competitions.

The Georgian winger was influential in PSG’s victories over Liverpool and Aston Villa on route to the Champions League semi final. scoring a sensational goal past Emiliano Martinez in the quarter-final.

However, in 2023, AC Milan manager at the time Stefano Pioli brilliantly showed how to stop Kvaratskhelia with a tactical masterclass during their Champions League quarter-final triumph over Napoli.

Pioli played his best one v one defender in Davide Calabria at right back and doubled up on the skillful winger at all times, denying any space or time on the ball for Kvaratskhelia.

Jurrien Timber is Arsenal’s best one v one defender and current right back so will have the task of stopping PSG’s main man with Bukayo Saka tracking back and helping when necessary.

What Thierry Henry said about Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Gunners legend Thierry Henry is a big fan of Kvaratskhelia and as per The Mirror, described the winger as the ‘full package’ back in 2023.

Henry stated: “He can press. He can hold the ball. He can see a pass. He’s just the full package. Hopefully, it can carry on for him and they can win the league. If they don’t win the league, it will be crazy because of the number of points that they have ahead. Winning the Champions League will be crazy.”

Timber has already proven that he can handle the world’s best with his display against Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr.

Now the Dutch defender has a different type of test against the skill and trickery of Kvaratskhelia but Arteta’s man will be relishing the challenge once again.