Chelsea enforcer Matic has been the unsung hero of Jose Mourinho's runaway Premier League leaders.
And Coquelin admits he would love to follow in the Serbian's footsteps ahead of Sunday's London derby at the Emirates.
He said: "What he's done is unbelievable. At Chelsea he is one of the main men so credit to him.
"He's had a great season and is a great player. It's always good to play against players like that.
"It's an important position and Matic has shown how important he is - that's what I'm trying to do as well for Arsenal.
"The fans want a good defensive midfielder, they know it's important for the team."
Coquelin is the closest thing Arsenal have had to an enforcer for years.
But he knows he cannot afford even a moment's loss of focus against the likes of Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas.
Coquelin said: "Hazard and Cesc Fabregas are great players who can do such great things at any time in the day.
"You need to be focused the whole time and that's what I'm trying to do for the 90 minutes.
"We've played against big teams in the last few weeks.
0 comments :