Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso says Arsenal have secured a ‘top-level player’ in Piero Hincapié.
Arsenal signed the Ecuador internation from Bayern Leverkusen on loan with a purchase obligation on summer deadline day. A few months before that, Alonso left the Bundesliga club for Real Madrid.
The current Real Madrid boss managed the centre-back for three years at the German club. Hincapié was also part of Bayer Leverkusen’s title winning squad during the 2023/24 season.
Extra in Ecuador have relayed comments made by Alonso praising the 23-year-old.
“I have a lot of respect for him. It was a pleasure to coach him,” he said.
Alonso, who will return to England to face Liverpool in the Champions League next week, is pleased with Hincapié’s development.
“Piero is a modern defender, very adaptable and with great game awareness. He has more confidence on the ball and is improving his decision-making. Now we see him playing precise diagonal passes and making those runs from behind,” Alonso explained.
The defender made his debut for the Gunners in their Champions League win over Athletic Club Bilbao in September. He then picked up a groin injury, forcing him to spend over a month on the sidelines.
Earlier this week, Hincapié made his first start for Arsenal in their 2-0 EFL Cup win over Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Ecuadorian has so far played 79 minutes from three matches for the north London club. The Real Madrid manager, however, remains confident his former player can inspire the Premier League leaders.
“He is a top-level player. For me, he [Piero] is not just an emperor: he is a warrior. He has a constant commitment to his work and an ambition that inspires the team,” he added.