The duo are long-term colleagues in the Germany team. On Wednesday they will come face to face in Champions League combat when Schweinsteiger’s Bayern Munich team visit the Emirates.
Schweinsteiger, the midfielder who makes the reigning European champions tick, said: “For many seasons Arsenal have been admired across Europe for their attacking play – but perhaps where they sometimes let themselves down was in defence.
“Per has made them one of the most defensively solid teams in England – and they look to have addressed their problems.
“It was always going to take Per time to adjust to a new league – but now we see him for what he is which is one of the best central defenders in Europe with fantastic positional awareness and real leadership qualities.”
Bayern won 3-1 at the Emirates last season en route to winning their Champions League crown. Arsenal’s 2-0 second leg win in Munich was not enough to get Arsene Wenger’s men through.
Bayern are widely seen as favourites to progress but Schweinsteiger insists on caution.
He said: “Arsenal have led the Premier League in England for a lot of this season – so we are aware it will be a very big test.
“We got a very good result in London last season – but I think Arsenal are much improved now. We want to retain the Champions League – and believe that another positive result in London is very possible if we play at the level we are capable of.”
Written by Steve Milne @stevenmilnelive