Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno has revealed players have been stunned by “unbelievable” Nicolas Pepe and his exploits in training.
Pepe has experienced a mixed start to life in English football after joining the Gunners in a club-record £72million move from Lille this summer.
He bagged his first goal from open play in the Premier League with a curling effort beyond David Martin to give his side a 2-1 lead over West Ham on Monday night.
Moments later, he delivered an exquisite cross to set up Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for the second and cap off a much-needed comeback.
Fans are now looking at Pepe to deliver more consistently and play a key role as they aim to get their season back on track.
(Image: PA)
Goalkeeper Leno insists he has the tools to deliver as he revealed he has impressed the squad with his left foot and ability in one-on-one situations.
“His left foot is unbelievable,” Leno told football.london. “Also his one-against-one against defenders is unbelievable.
“When he has space, he can be a key player for us in transition. I think and I’m sure that we’ll have a lot of fun with him.”
(Image: REUTERS)
Leno has backed Pepe to show his match-winning exploits at the London Stadium can be a turning point and kick-start his Arsenal career.
Leno added: “Is it a turning point? I hope so. It was a hard time for him.
“But I think that’s normal when you come to the Premier League.
(Image: 2019 The Arsenal Football Club Plc)
“The Premier League is very hard, very tough, and it takes time to get used to it. But today and also in the last weeks you could see how much quality he has.
“When he’s working like today and also in the last games, he can be a key player for us.”
