Arsenal are the “best team in Europe” without the ball, according to Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique.
The Gunners will face PSG in the Champions League final on May 30, a fixture that is sure to a highlight a contrast of playing styles and approach.
En route to reaching only a second-ever Champions League final in the club’s history, Arsenal relied on their defence and conceded just two goals in the knockout phase - none of which were from open play.
PSG, meanwhile, were fearsome in attack, putting eight past Chelsea, six past Bayern, five past Monaco and four past Liverpool across two legs as they bid to defend their crown.
Speaking ahead of the showpiece at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary, Enrique was full of praise for Arsenal’s transformation under Mikel Arteta.
“When you look at Arsenal’s stats, you can see that Mikel Arteta is a leader as a manager, who has instilled a winning mentality in the team,” Enrique said during a press conference.
“They’ve been improving for several seasons now; they love the ball, but they’re the best team in Europe without it. They won the Premier League, and they’re in the Champions League final this year after reaching the semi-finals last season.
“They deserve to be there, and Arteta instils a competitive spirit in his players.”
Arsenal have never won the Champions League but could seal an historic double if they dethrone the holders after clinching the Premier League title on Tuesday evening.
“I think they deserve to win the league; they’ve had a brilliant season,” Enrique added. “We’ve already played against this Arsenal side, so we know what they’re capable of.
“They’re one of the best teams when they don’t have the ball, and when they do, they score plenty of goals.
“It makes sense that we’re facing them in the final. We can look forward to a truly great final.”
