Lehmann worthy successor to Seaman, says Wenger

Arsene Wenger declared Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann to be a worthy successor to David Seaman as he labelled the German international as one of the major transfer successes of 2003.

Lehmann was Arsenal’s only significant investment in the transfer market during the past 12 months, signed from Borussia Dortmund last summer to replace Seaman.

Given that Seaman had become something of a fixture at Highbury after 13 years at the club, even Lehmann initially admitted that it would be a “nearly impossible” to fill his gloves.

However, while Wenger believes Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu has been the most exciting new arrival to the Premiership this season away from Highbury, he has been impressed with Lehmann’s progress.

“I think he has made a big impact for us. He deserves huge credit. It was always going to be difficult to replace David Seaman and he’s been remarkably consistent in the league,” he declared.

“He has maybe had one or two difficult games in the Champions League but has turned the corner very quickly and has been outstanding in the championship.”

Lehmann admitted blame for at least two goals during Arsenal’s initial struggle in the Champions League group stage, with one mistake against Dynamo Kiev having been particularly embarrassing.

However, the 33-year-old German, who has often played second-fiddle to Oliver Kahn at international level, had enough experience and character to recover from those early setbacks.

“He is very strong mentally, just like David Seaman,” added Wenger.

“I respect him a lot as he’s a 100% winner. He’s a great professional and gives 100% every day in training. Every day, he wants to be a better player than the day before.

“I’m used to speaking to players, and I could tell there was still a true ambition there.

“He’s a very proud guy and wanted to go again in his career. He’d won trophies before but he wanted to come here to win more trophies.

“I could have taken a young keeper with a lot of talent to compete with Stuart Taylor. But as it was replacing David Seaman, I felt that would have been too much for an inexperienced keeper.”

Lehmann has clearly fitted in well at Highbury, not just because he has voiced frustration at the club’s treatment by the Football Association’s disciplinary department.

After the club’s incredible 5-1 success away to Inter Milan, he even stood up in the dressing-room and declared the team spirit to be the best he had ever encountered in his career.

“He realised that there is a special spirit here. When you’re a professional player, that’s part of the enjoyment,” added Wenger.

“It’s not just a job, it’s good to feel part of a real team. That’s what makes you feel that a team sport can give you something special.

“I’m still friends with some of the guys that I played with and you remember some of the special moments that you shared with them.”

Lehmann has also taken charge of the defence in front of him and while Arsenal looked suspect at the back earlier this season, they have grown in stature as the campaign has progressed.

Indeed, when the Gunners take on Wolves at Highbury on St Stephen's Day, Wenger will have a welcome selection dilemma in deciding whether to recall Lauren or Martin Keown.

Then again, Wenger believes that Lehmann has still mellowed from the days when he was considered something of an outspoken character in Germany.

“He speaks a lot and when he has to say something, he says it. But I think the reputation he had before coming here was exaggerated,” he said.

“Now he’s 33, he’s wiser. He masters his temperament more. When he says something, it always makes sense and he takes responsibility.

“I thought highly of him when I saw him playing against us and when we spied on them, we always had good reports of their keeper.

“He is now dealing well with the crosses and accepting that he gets challenged in the air. There is no fear for him to do that.”