Arsenal legend hails Leno

Former Arsenal keeper Jens Lehman has hailed Bernd Leno insisting that he has all the tools needed to be a success at Arsenal.

Leno joined the Gunners from Bayer Leverkusen in a £22million switch this summer but until this weekend found his opportunities confined to Unai Emery’s cup teams.

A hamstring injury to Petr Cech just before half-time in a 2-0 win over Watford handed Leno a Premier League opportunity he grasped firmly, saving brilliantly from Troy Deeney at close range early in the second period and commanding his area as the Hornets ratcheted up the pressure.

Whilst his skills on the ball are impressive Leno’s handling came under the microscope during his final season in the Bundesliga but Lehmann, who made 199 appearances for Arsenal in two spells from 2003 to 2011, is backing the 26-year-old to shine for the Gunners.

“He’s a very good shot-stopper, he’s calm, good with his feet,” Lehmann told Standard Sport. However the German warned: “To be a success at Arsenal he will have to win something.”

Lehmann was among a host of ‘Invincibles’ who donned their boots again to take part in a charity match at The Hive, raising money and awareness for former team-mate Nwankwo Kanu’s heart foundation.

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