Mikel Arteta praises Marouane Fellaini impact

Former Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta has insisted that his ex-teammate Marouane Fellaini is one of the most difficult men to play against in the Premier League.

The 30-year-old partnered Fellaini in the centre of the Toffees' midfield before he moved to Arsenal, but after seeing Fellaini score against the Gunners on Wednesday night, Arteta was impressed with how much the Belgian international troubled Arsenal's defence in a more advanced position.

Arteta told reporters: "I think it is much more difficult to play against him when he is playing in that forward position around the box.

"He creates a lot of problems, he uses his size well and he is a threat around the goal, as you can see from his goals.

"For me, he is much more efficient playing there than when he is deeper. I have seen a tremendous improvement in him, especially in that position. He is one of the most difficult midfielders to play against because of his size. You don't normally come up against players like that in that position."

Fellaini has scored six goals in 11 league appearances for Everton this season.