Mikel Arteta has revealed Pablo Mari has actually surprised him since arriving at Arsenal.
The centre-back arrived from Brazil outfit Flamengo in January on loan to help bolster the Gunners' defence.
The 26-year-old's deal could be made permanent should he impress and want to stay on.
Mari has yet to feature for Arsenal after picking up an injury but is in line to make his debut against Olympiacos.
He did however get some minutes under his belt for the reserves, playing a single half in the Under-23s' defeat to Chelsea in Premier League 2.
Speaking ahead of the Europa League last-32 clash, Arteta said: "Well, I watched the game but I could not be there for a personal reason.
"But, I was very glad that those two were there to support him.
"When he joined the club he hadn’t played for a long time and he had a little niggle as well when he joined us, but his attitude and commitment has been really, really good and highly surprising.
"He did really well the other day and hopefully we can start to use him soon."
Mari's arrival was accompanied by that of Cedric Soares's. The Southampton full-back too joined the Gunners on loan in January and he too has been hampered by injury.
The 28-year-old has had an issue with his left knee but should be back fit by the end of February.
