Sunderland midfielder Sebastian Larsson has welcomed praise from Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

Wenger, who signed Larsson for Arsenal back in 2004, described the Swede as the best free-kick taker in the Barclays Premier League after he netted a stunning goal at Arsenal recently.

"Of course, such praise is always nice and it gives you a confidence boost, of course," the winger told safc.com.

"I didn't think about it too much straight after the game because I was disappointed we'd lost the game, but it is nice.

"I have always enjoyed the responsibility involved in taking free kicks and set pieces.

"But obviously it is important to create and score goals when that responsibility is given to you."