Thomas Vermaelen has compared Arsenal Football Club to Barcelona.

Many critics claim the Gunners need to abandon their total football philosophy if they are to win trophies, but Vermaelen believes such a style hasn’t stopped Barcelona.

The Spanish giants played some wonderful football last season as they won the treble, including the UEFA Champions League, and the Belgian believes his side can have similar success.

“I believe we can win trophies playing this way,” Vermaelen told the News of the World. “The vision is for a young team who all share the same philosophy, to grow and eventually win a big trophy.

"I know there are many critics who say that playing a certain way then good things can't happen. But maybe they should just think for a while and look at how a team like Barcelona has grown.

“Look how Barcelona play. Look around at their side. They don't have many strong players but they have been winning big trophies."

Get all the latest news on your club. Visit 360 Football, the best football news aggregator on the web!