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European Championship winner earns first int’l call-up since 2018 after consistent displays

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Cedric Soares has been called up to the Portugal squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Azerbaijan, Serbia and Luxembourg.

The ace has been in spectacular form for the Gunners in recent weeks and has featured in eight of the last 10 Premier League matches.

His displays has caused massive headaches for Mikel Arteta, who has been rotating between the Portuguese full-back and Hector Bellerin in recent weeks.

Does Cedric deserve an international call-up?

Yes

No

You feel the international call-up is well deserved for a player, who has improved vastly as the season has gone on. And to get in ahead of the likes of Ricardo Pereira and Nelson Semedo is a huge achievement for the former Southampton man.

His last international outing came way back in 2018 when he turned out for his home country in their 3-1 win over Scotland in an international friendly.

The most impressive part of the 29-year-old’s revival has been his attacking intent. The full-back looks incredibly comfortable moving forward and has linked well with Nicolas Pepe, who himself has looked sensational when coupled with Soares.

Due to his displays, there have been calls from some quarters of the club’s support for the Portugal international to replace the Spain international as the mainstay right-back.

Despite his call-up to the international scene, you still feel the 2016 European Championship winner isn’t anywhere near good enough to be the starting right-sided defender for the Gunners. Investment is badly needed at right-back with both him and Bellerin proving underwhelming options as starters.

In other news, Arsenal are looking to retain the services of one player beyond this season.

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