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Arsenal vs Benfica: 4 key battles to watch out for in Europa League showdown
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang vs Jan Vertonghen
Former Tottenham alumni Jan Vertonghen will know this Arsenal side better than anyone else on the Benfica team, not least Aubameyang, who’s netted seven goals in ten appearances against Sp*rs matches – all featuring the Belgian.
His time in north London came to an end last summer as his legs couldn’t handle the pace of the Premier League, with some of his recovery runs causing groans that could be heard down the Seven Sisters Road.
In terms of understanding, he’ll know Aubameyang’s preference of shot and movement out wide, and given their past will be sure to give him an earful of ‘banter’ all evening. The captain will hopefully reciprocate.
Three goals against Leeds rounded off his best display of the season and he couldn’t head into Thursday any more confident than he is. By all accounts, this is prime Aubameyang.
Just because Vertonghen’s better years are behind him doesn’t make him a pushover. Far from it. The Belgian is still a vastly experienced centre-back, the most capped in his country’s history and an excellent reader of danger.
The 33-year-old has formed a solid partnership with former Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi conceding only 16 goals in 19 league matches, on top of nine in their six Europa League group clashes.