Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has hit back at critics of Emmanuel Eboue over his midfield role last season.

Speaking at a Q&A with shareholders last week the Frenchman insisted that, although Eboue's qualities are less eye-catching, they are no less important to his Arsenal side.

"If you look at the number of goals we scored you will see we are near the top of the League," said Wenger. "A team is first of all a balance, that's why I am not a fan of going into any individual case.

"You don't always play a player because he scores goals, you play him because he gives you a balance to the team. We play in a very attacking style and Eboue gives us defensive balance."

The Arsenal manager did make a comparison of his own - between Eboue and one of his illustrious predecessors on the right side of midfield.

"Ray Parlour did not score many goals on the right side of midfield," pointed out Wenger. "You look at the numbers and you will be surprised but for me he was a great player for Arsenal Football Club.

"You can not only go on the goals and assists, you must look at the efficiency of the whole team. That's why Ray Parlour was a great player for us and why Eboue helps us too.

"What counts is how many goals a team scores as a unit and how many chances we create. On that front we can compete with everybody in the League."