Francis Coquelin speaks to BT Sport Photo: C1 Photography

Francis Coquelin is determined to prove himself as the man to solve Arsenal’s defensive midfield problems.

Arsenal have long been criticised for a perceived lack of steel in midfield since Patrick Vieira’s departure from the north London club back in 2006.

I always had confidence in myself and belief in myself Francis Coquelin

Injuries to the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Mikel Arteta this season have allowed Coquelin a sustained run in the Arsenal first-team and a chance to prove himself to manager Arsene Wenger.

The 23-year-old Frenchman has earned plenty of praise for his performances for the north London side in recent weeks after having featured in 15 of Arsenal’s 30 Premier League games.

And although the midfielder stopped short of declaring himself as the solution to Arsenal’s defensive midfield woes, he underlined his desire to give his all for Wenger’s side in the coming weeks.

Arsenal’s Francis Coquelin Photo: C1 Photography

“I’m not going to say to you I am [can be a player similar to Vieira], obviously I want to be but I think it’s down to the performance I put in every week so I’m just trying to give me best every game so hopefully I can do that in the long term,” Coquelin said in an interview with BT Sport which will air as part of their live coverage of Arsenal v Liverpool.

“Sometimes you profit from injuries and that was what happened with me. I always had confidence in myself and belief in myself – I just need the chance.

“I got the chance because other people got injured and tried to grab it with both hands and do as well as I could.”

See the full interview with Francis Coquelin on ‘Matchday Live with Fletch & Sav’ from 10am this Saturday on BT Sport 1. Guests include Ian Wright, Harry Redknapp, Piers Morgan and Michael Owen.