Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has heaped praise on boss Arsene Wenger, claiming that the Frenchman keeps evolving his methods despite being the most senior manager in the Premier League.

Wenger is often criticised for adhering to tried systems but German centre-back Mertesacker has lauded the 65-year old for continuing to keep things fresh.

He said: "It is not like he sticks to his old methods. He changed some things by bringing in new players and by changing his behaviour.

"He changed his coaching staff, he acquired some fresh, young people. The video analysis has changed.

"In the summer, Shad Forsythe came in from the [Germany] national team as the new fitness coach.

"Those are examples that prove that he is open to new things and that he takes advice.

"One of his strengths he has never lost in all those years is his charisma. He is the calm centre of it all - that's what he brings across."

The Frenchman, who turns 66 in October this year, will lead his team into their second consecutive FA Cup final on Saturday against Aston Villa at Wembley.