Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger feels Tomas Rosicky will play a key role when he faces his former side Sparta Prague in Wednesday's Champions League qualifier.Wenger said: "It is a game where Tomas is a bit more under pressure than others because of the extra scrutiny.
"But he is classy and I feel he is at the age where he can get the right balance in the final third.
"He is sharp, quick and lively. We want him to give key passes and score goals - and I am convinced he will."
Wenger also expanded on his decision to hand William Gallas the captaincy when many others expected Gilberto Silva to be given the role - including the Brazilian midfielder himself.
"William means he has to be an example everywhere, not only on the pitch - but off the pitch as well and he is right," said Wenger.
"I was pleased with his attitude and the way he took on his role. I expected him to do that.
"Overall the important thing is that the team has that type of unity and togetherness and desire.
"I think the captain is an important position - but it is not as important as the team spirit."
And team spirit, according to Wenger is very high - despite reports that Gilberto was upset that he only learned he would not be captain via the Arsenal website.
Wenger added: "I respect Gilberto a lot. I had a face-to-face meeting with him and told him what I wanted to tell him. "
"I cannot justify every small decision, and explain it to everybody. You make a decision because you just want to make the right one."
And Wenger revealed that Arsenal's come-from-behind win against Fulham on Sunday has further enhanced the togetherness of the squad.
"I learnt what I knew before from the preparation - that we had great unity and desire and a great hunger as well," said Wenger.
"This came out in the game because we won a match that we certainly would not have won last year."