Arsenal midfielder Alex Song revealed that he always knew that Gervinho would become a big asset for the Gunners, this season.

Gervinho’s impact at Arsenal was one to remember as he scored a brace in a pre-season friendly game against FC Köln, immediately showing that he was going to be a valuable asset as a winger but also as a central striker, if required, with the 24-year old unsurprisingly nominated for the African player of the year award.

And speaking to Arsenal’s Official Matchday Programme, the Cameroon International explained that he follows the French league and identified the Ivory Coast winger last season as one who could do well in Arsene Wenger’s squad, reason why he is not surprised by his fantastic start to the season.

Song also revealed that Gervinho is a quiet figure in the Arsenal squad but one who does the talking on the pitch as he already scored two goals in the English Premier League and also turned provider for his team-mates, especially for striker Robin van Persie.

On his friend, Song said:

I watch a lot of the French league at home so I knew when Gervinho arrived that he was a very good player.

I’m not surprised to see him doing well here and I think there’s more to come. It’s not easy to come to the English league, it’s harder and stronger.

But he’s getting used to it and I’m really happy to see him making a difference in games.

Gervinho is a very quiet guy, not one who talks too much, but I think it’s normal that you look and listen when you arrive somewhere before saying a lot.

I think he’s now coming out of himself and you can see it on the pitch too.