Arsenal and Russia midfielder Andrey Arshavin has credited Russia boss Guus Hiddink for his rise to international star. "I don't know of a single player who has a bad word to say about him," Arshavin told WalesOnline.co.uk.

"He really knows how to create an environment where every player wants to train hard, work hard and give their best.

"When Russian coaches said, 'Andrey Arshavin is a good player', it didn't mean anything. When Guus Hiddink said it, everyone took note. He helped change the way others saw me."

Arshavin commented on the challenges of adapting to life in the Premier League.

"I knew the tempo [of English football] would be higher, but you don't know how much until you actually experience it," he said.

"I've now more or less adapted; I've had time to analyse things.

"As for life off the pitch, I haven't quite adapted yet, but player relations at Arsenal are good."

Arshavin then lauded Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.

He said, "I was made to feel very welcome. Also, Arsenal only sign players on Arsene Wenger's say-so.

"Wenger doesn't look at a player, he looks inside a player.

"He sees the player's qualities and how best to utilise him.

"The first influence he has had on me is to change my position. I'm virtually playing as a left-midfielder at Arsenal.

"I hadn't played there for a long time. I've played on the right and left of attack and in a free role, but not as a midfielder, who has to track back and help the defence.

"If it hadn't worked out so well, maybe I'd have complained.

"But it's going fine, so it would be hard for me to claim I'm being played out of position."