Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was full of praise for midfielder Samir Nasri ahead of the Blackburn game, comparing him to Robert Pires.

Pires, 36, spent six year with the Gunners and was voted as the club’s sixth greatest player of all time in 2008 but was left bitterly disappointed for being substituted in the Champions League final against Barcelona.

Wenger, who believes Nasri had a good season, explained how he is a hard worker, good on the ball and possesses exceptional qualities, adding how only the number of scored goals need to improve to become an “exceptional” player like his compatriot.

Wenger also revealed how the 22-year old was used in a more central position following an injury to Cesc Fabregas, although next season he will be used in a more wider position as he has the tricks and pace to be a pure winger.

The manager said:

Nasri is like Pires. I believe he is a hard worker, a good dribbler and a very interesting player because he has the combination of qualities that are quite exceptional. He has had a good season.

Robert is a good target for him because if he can score the number of goals Pires scored then he will be an exceptional player.

Nasri has played more in midfield because we lost Cesc Fabregas and he is the one who can play in this role. But I see Nasri in a wide role [in the future] because he has the tricks, the pace and don’t forget that Fabregas plays in the central role.