Wenger - Honda is a genius

Arsenal boss admires Japan hero

By Mike Barton   Last updated: 2nd July 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Wenger - Honda is a genius

Honda: Admired by Wenger

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Arsene Wenger has stated his admiration for Japan star Keisuke Honda following his performances at the World Cup.

The CSKA Moscow attacking midfielder has proved to be one of the most outstanding performers in the tournament, scoring two goals and providing one, despite his side's exit on penalties in the second round to Paraguay.

Honda has been a revelation since moving to Europe, where he joined Dutch side VVV Venlo to become the team's talisman, before making the move to Russia and seeing his reputation rise further in South Africa.

The 24-year-old has already been linked with the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham despite only signing for CSKA last December, however Arsenal boss Wenger was not short of praise for Honda, hailing him as the finest performer of the finals so far, in a comment that may prompt speculation of a move to bring him to the Emirates.

"This Japanese team is based on a solid and collective defence in which everybody knows exactly what to do," he told Eurosport.

"When they get the ball they can give it to Honda - and the magic starts.

"When they get that genius Honda playing up front, he had shown what a top class player he is. For me he's the best performer of the competition so far."