Martin Keown praises 6ft 4in Arsenal ace, wants Mikel Arteta to give him ‘more opportunities’

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Arsenal legend Martin Keown has praised Pablo Mari following the recent arrival’s first senior appearances for the Gunners in Monday night’s FA Cup victory, in conversation with Goal.com.

The Spanish defender joined Mikel Arteta’s side on loan from Brazilian giants Flamengo during the January transfer window for a reported £4million fee, according to Sky Sports.

Prior to Monday night’s meeting with Portsmouth at Fratton Park, Mari had played for Arsenal’s Under-23s and Arteta opted to hand the centre-back his senior debut against the former FA Cup winners.

The 26-year-old had an impressive enough debut as he showed composure in passing and dealing with bouncing balls, wasn’t scared to engage incoming attackers, and even had a chance to score late on.

“I think he looked very solid, he has the height in inches. You look at the stature of the player and he won everything in the air,” Keown told Goal.com.

“He wasn’t rapid, but was quick enough to deal with all the situations. We were playing against a League One side who had a lone striker so he and David Luiz were able to boss him between the two of them.

“I think it was important that he had Luiz alongside him to talk him through the game. Now we have to give him time, he has to be given more opportunities.”

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So far so good for Mari, who has passed both tests with flying colours and, in the words of Keown, has “the basis of a good player”.

Arsenal have been crying out for defensive solidity and, while it’s still too early to tell, the 6ft 4in defender certainly has begun well and there is plenty of room for progress.

It’s worth remembering that Mari is by no means a rookie, and did superbly in helping Flamengo win the Brazilian Serie A title, the Copa Libertadores, and reach the Club World Cup final.

Should everything go to plan, Mari will get up to scratch in terms of Premier League football and Arteta will soon have a great asset in his ranks as Arsenal look to mount a late challenge for European qualification.