According to Mikel Arteta, Cedric Soares is ready to make a significant impact at Arsenal after he is fully fit again.
The Portuguese international first joined the Gunners in January, but leg and facial injuries prevented him from making his debut.
The former Southampton defender, who has now signed a four-year contract to stay with the club permanently, will face Norwich on Wednesday night.
Arteta praised Cedric’s technical quality and admitted that the 28-year-old made the best decision among Arsenal’s current full-backs – even first-choice right-back Hector Bellerin.
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“He has a different quality in the full-back than we do,” said Arteta in his pre-game press conference.
“He is a talented, technical player and probably the best we have in the last third to make the right decision and attack the box as well.”
Arteta added that Cedric offers him the luxury of using different systems, with the defender being equally skilled at playing as a four-back orthodox full-back or as a full-back.
“He can play in a four or five, he’s a really good player with Premier League experience that can help us.”
Cedric admitted last week that he was frustrated by the injuries that had previously prevented him from playing for Arsenal.
On Twitter, he wrote: “I am pleased to announce that I have signed a long-term contract to stay at Arsenal.
“I was really frustrated with how injuries have kept me from the field so far, but I’m working as hard as I can to get back as soon as possible. Thank you to everyone who supported me. Let’s go, Gunners!”
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