Andrey Arshavin can be Arsenal's Diego Maradona, says manager Arsene Wenger.
Wenger said: "Yes, he is quite small. It is amazing that in football people are always concerned about size but one of the best players in the world was Maradona, who was the same size as Arshavin.
"Maradona was 168cms while I think Arshavin is 167 - so it is not a handicap."
Wenger is more concerned about Arshavin's ability to adapt to the English game after just one competitive match in the last three months.
He added: "There has always been a question-mark about whether Russian players can make it over here or not.
"There is always a culture shock involved. It's not like he is coming here from Wales!
"You can never be 100 per cent sure about any purchase. Some Russian players are not exportable, but that is down to their personality. Arshavin has personality, vision and class. And when a player is intelligent and mentally strong he can become even stronger when he goes abroad.
"I believe Arshavin has what is needed because it was his decision to move and have a new experience abroad.
"His biggest problem is that he is not completely match fit at the moment. So we must give him time to adjust."