Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has heaped praise on Japan star Keisuke Honda following his World Cup performance. The CSKA Moscow midfielder-cum-striker was most impressive for the Blue Samurai, scoring two goals in four matches, as his side got through to the Round of 16 and his form was not lost on Wenger.

"This Japansese team is based on a solid and collective defence in which everybody knows exactly what to do," Wenger 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 has shown what a top class player he is. For me he's the best performer of the competition so far."

The 24-year old star is now being linked with plenty of clubs around Europe including Barcelona, Tottenham, Ajax, PSV Eindhoven and FC Twente along with Wenger's Arsenal.