Freddie Ljungberg raves about Arsenal star Nicolas Pepe after Wednesday win

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Former Arsenal star Freddie Ljungberg has waxed lyrical about Nicolas Pepe following his two-goal salvo during a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace last night. 

The ex-midfielder and interim manager was part of the live coverage on BT Sport and had immense praise for the 25-year-old as the Gunners won the game late on.

Pepe has now scored 14 goals during 2020/21 and is actually beginning to justify his staggering £72 million price tag. The Eagles had no answer to the winger during the Selhurst Park clash.

Ljungberg claims he wasn’t surprised to see the flyer play so well – suggesting he used to see Pepe in full flow during training each day.

He was desperately impressed with the Ivorian and raved about him following last night’s last-gasp victory.

The Swede told BT Sport: “I like him. He’s awkward to play against and he’s got good speed.

“This is what I saw in training every day and it’s what you want to see in every game.

“Of course there are other parts of his game that he needs to learn but if you put him in these situations he’s lethal all the time.”

TBR View: Pepe coming good and next season could be key

After slowly but surely started to justify his eye-watering transfer fee, Pepe must now strive for consistency.

Last season the trickster was often criticised and his valuation has been used as a stick to beat him with.

During 2020/21, however, Pepe has thrived under Arteta and is clearly benefitting from having a manager who trusts him.

Next season could be huge for the £100,000-a-week player and he must continue grasping his chances with both hands.

Pepe has really picked up his form this season and that could bode well for his future at the Emirates Stadium.