Aaron Ramsey hails Francis Coquelin for impact at Arsenal since return from Charlton loan

Aaron Ramsey has been the latest Arsenal star to praise Francis Coquelin for the instant impact his teammate has made into Arsene Wenger's side since his return to the Emirates Stadium from a loan spell at Charlton in December.

The 23-year-old midfielder looked to have an uncertain future at North London after Wenger sent him on loan to Charlton despite being out of contract this summer.

However, he was recalled in December due to the number of injuries in the midfield and has since earned not just a new deal at Arsenal but a starting spot in the line-up.

The French midfielder has started the last 12 Premier League games, helping his side to secure 10 victories on the way while winning more tackles than any player in the Premier League since his return.

Ramsey says his work in the middle of the park has been a blessing for the playmakers while a key behind Arsenal's momentum.

"He's been really good. He's very aggressive and doesn't give the opposition much time on the ball, and that's why he wins so many tackles. Then he wins the ball and makes us tick over," Ramsey said.

"It's been really good to see his development this year, he's had a superb couple of months now so hopefully he can continue that. It is quite comforting knowing that one of the midfielders is behind you in position, thinking more defensively. It is something that he does really well."

Ramsey, meanwhile, claimed that the arrival of Coquelin has also improved the competition in the midfield as even though Mikel Arteta and Jack Wilshere remain on the sidelines, Wenger still has a number of players to select, including Ramsey himself, Santi Cazorla, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain or Thomas Rosicky.

"There are a number of players who are more than capable of putting in good performances in the middle and we have shown that with the number of different combinations we've had this season," he said.

"There's definitely a fight for our places and everyone is keeping each other on their toes - it's good that we have that strength in depth now."