English Premier League side Arsenal has confirmed the capture of Spanish defender Pablo Mari from South American champions Flamengo. The 26-year-old is the first signing of the Mikel Arteta era. He will be at the club on loan until the end of the season.
Below, we look at some of the qualities that he will bring to Arsenal.
Winning Mentality
Pablo won everything with Flamengo last season. He won the Brazilian title and capped it off with the Copa Libertadores which is like the equivalent of the UEFA Champions League in South America.
The defender played a very big role in the success and was named in the South American team of the season. He brings with him a winning mentality that is lacking in an Arenal side littered with youngsters.
Excellent Ball Playing Skills
Aside from a brilliant defender, Pablo is very good with the ball at his feet, a skill that Mikel Arteta demands from his center-backs. This will suit the style that the head coach wants to implement at the London club. He can start attacks from the back and this will make the team better.
Also, he is a very tall man, a quality Arsenal has been lacking since Per Mertesacker retired.
Experience
Pablo is 26 years old and is already a South American and Brazil Champion. He has played against the best Premier League side at the moment as Flamengo faced Liverpool in the Club World Cup final and gave go account of himself.
Having been at Manchester City before, Pablo understands the demands of the English game which will make his adaptation a little bit easier.