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Arsene Wenger reckons Michael Carrick deserves to be Player of the Year - and is good enough to play for Barcelona.

Arsenal boss Wenger says Carrick deserves the nod over his Manchester United team-mate - and former hero of the Gunners - Robin van Persie and joked Luis Suarez is no longer a contender after his biting bust-up.

Ahead of Carrick and the Reds' much-anticipated visit to the Emirates on Sunday, Wenger said: “I would choose Carrick, as Robin had it last season - give it to somebody different.

“He is a quality passer. He could play in Barcelona. He would be perfectly suited to their game.

“He has a good vision and an intelligent player and it is for what he has achieved in his whole career as well.

“It is this year or never for him - he is 32 years old and after they go down.

“I think Carrick is an under-rated player in England - sometimes not only should the goal-scorer be rewarded but the real players in the heart of the game.

“Carrick, for me, deserves it.

“You had, as people said, Suarez. But Suarez has bitten into his reward!”