With Cesc Fabregas ruled out of tonight’s game against Porto at the Emirates, French midfielder Samir Nasri could be the one to play in central midfield, just as he did against Burnley at one stage during the game. Speaking about the 22-year, manager Arsene Wenger told the club’s official website how versatile the player is as he can play in a large number of positions.

After recovering from fibula fracture which kept him on the sidelines for months, Nasri returned and has been in imperious form for the Gunners, who will try to overcome a 2-1 deficit this evening and move on to the next stage of the Champions League.

Speaking of the player, Wenger said:

He is the same as Cesc, 22-years-old so very young. But he has adapted very quickly. He is a very intelligent boy, a quiet boy. He analyses what is happening on the pitch very quickly. He has good technical potential.

He is very versatile too. He can play defensive midfield, attacking midfield and on the flanks. We have a few players like that and I love that. Nasri started with a fibula fracture at the start of the season and after two months it took him a while to get back to his best. But in the last few weeks he has got stronger and more confidence.

If you ask any player where he wants to play, they will say in the middle. He is happy to play there but I believe with the pace he has he can play on the flanks as well.