Francis Coquelin has proven again and again this season that he’s a force to be reckoned with on the pitch.

His interception rate especially is exceptionally high.

In fact, since Christmas, the young Frenchman has made 70 interceptions and 68 tackles, which is more than any other player in the Premier League. Not bad for someone who was out on loan to Charlton Athletic just under six months ago.

The 23-year-old has impressed many since returning from loan due to a shortage of defensive players.

Until his return in December, the midfielder found it hard to get a regular place in the first team starting lineup and was repeatedly loaned out. However, now there’s no doubt about his name appearing on the teamsheet.

Today, as has quickly become the norm, Coquelin made a number of interceptions in key areas and that’s the clincher – he doesn’t just have a high interception and tackle rate, he makes these interceptions and tackles in vital areas of the pitch and makes it look effortless.

He’s rapidly become a key player for us and it’s great to see.