Robert Pires impressed by "warrior" Francis Coquelin

Robert Pires has claimed that Francis Coquelin is giving Arsenal something they have missed since his stay with the club.

Coquelin's impressive form since being handed a chance in midfield in January has attracted praise from a number of former Arsenal players, and Pires has followed the example by comparing the defensive midfielder to his fellow Frenchman to Patrick Vieira.

"Coquelin is a good player. He's really important for Wenger and the team. I believe a lot in him. He has a good future," the former Gunners winger told reporters.

"He's better defensively than their other midfielders. A warrior type.

"He puts more aggression into the position and that's important. He's more like a Patrick Vieira or Ray Parlour."

Arsenal take on Manchester United for a place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup on Monday evening.