Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says Mikel Arteta has been front and centre in their revival.

Arteta has become a mainstay in Wenger's midfield and the manager is a big admirer of the understated 29-year-old.

"He always gives you a certain level of quality," the Frenchman told Arsenal Player. "He is always 100 per cent focused and committed and that is what you want from a real professional. He brings the best out of other players.

"I believe he is a winner and a fighter as well. I think he possesses both aspects of the game of a real midfielder - that means he can defend and he can attack. That is what we looked for."