The Arsenal right-back admits he knew little of the Malaga defender before he joined the Gunners, but is very happy with the Spaniard’s contribution so far

Bacary Sagna has praised new Arsenal team-mate Nacho Monreal, and lauded the speed with which he has adapted to English football.

Monreal joined the Gunners from Malaga in January – though Sagna confesses he knew little about the Spaniard before his move – and made his debut for the north London club just two days after his deadline day transfer was completed.

Something of a baptism of fire, the 26-year-old was thrust into action against Tony Pulis’ physical Stoke City, but has seen his new side record back-to-back clean sheets in the league for the first time since August 2012.

“I didn’t know much about him [before he came to Arsenal],” Sagna told Arsenal’s official website.

“I had a chance to speak with Santi Cazorla and he talked about him. He looks good. He had a great game in his first game.

“It’s not easy because he only trained with us once before. I wouldn’t like to be in his position, but he did well.

“It was a difficult game to play in, with a lot of physicality and a lot of challenges. We won and everyone is happy.”