Frimpong: OK... I’m no Messi!
Posted Wednesday, December 21, 2011 by The Sun
ARSENAL hardman Emmanuel Frimpong insists there is more to his game than just kicking opponents — but he admitted: I'm no Lionel Messi!
The midfielder's tough tackling and enthusiasm has made him a big hit with Gunners fans.
Frimpong, 19, is set to return to Arsene Wenger's starting line-up at Aston Villa tonight.
He said: "Sometimes I'll go on Twitter the day before a game to see what the fans are saying.
"People are suggesting I'll deal with any players they don't like — 'Frimpong will get him', and that kind of thing.
"They seem to have created a wanted list of people for me to go for — I don't know what they think of me!
"I think I'm going to have to make a YouTube video to show the fans the other things that I am good at in the game.
"But then again — I'm not exactly Lionel Messi!"
Frimpong was in the team for Arsenal's recent Champions League loss at Olympiakos.
He said: "It was a hard game in a very hostile atmosphere. It was a shame we lost but I've learned that I can play in an environment like that.
"I'm just happy to be playing — it's always a pleasure to be selected."
Arsenal travel to Villa Park, looking to bounce back from Sunday's 1-0 defeat at Premier League leaders Manchester City.
Gunners boss Wenger said: "It was frustrating because I feel we had the opportunities to score but we didn't.
"From last time we know how frustrating it is when you don't score, the chances were there.
"All the players had spirit, although technically I thought we could do better.
"We are a team who wants to respond quickly now and keep our spirit and determination.
"If we keep that spirit and determination, we can go from strength to strength. We can have a bright future."
Wenger insists his team are progressing quickly after a stuttering start to the season.
The Frenchman added: "We're not the same team we were two months ago. In the next two months, of course, we want to be different again."
Wojciech Szczesny will again be in goal for Arsenal after his outstanding display at City.
Wenger said: "He is one of the best already in his full first season. He has, like the team, a promising future.
"We are confident that if he keeps his attitude and determination to do well, he can be one of the best.
"My secret belief is that he shouldn't set any limitations on his progress at just 21 years old.
"He is brave and that's an important quality.
"He is just at the start of his career and you do not want to say too early that he is the finished article."
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