Mikel Arteta has hailed Nicolas Pepe and claimed that the Arsenal winger has made ‘a lot of progress’ in training, as he told his pre-match press conference.
Whilst Pepe, 25, was left on the bench for Arsenal’s most recent win, he has perhaps, since his big-money move to North London, produced some of his best football in recent weeks.
Well, Pepe’s talents, along with his teammates, will be seriously tested when they take on Benfica in a tricky Europa League round of 32 first leg showdown tonight.
Ahead of that game, Arteta was asked about improving Pepe’s game, including the left-footer being able to play on his weaker side, as he issued this response.
“Well, I saw a lot of things,” said Arteta. “Not only there but in mentality and the way he approached every training session. His game understanding as well.
“It’s true that he has patches that he is playing more than other times. He hasn’t had that continuity of every month that probably every player would be seeking to have.
“But I think overall, there is a lot of progress with Nico.”
Albeit it was a defeat for Arsenal, and that in controversial circumstances, Pepe’s performance and goal at Wolves is something his fans want to see a lot more of.
If he can provide that on a more consistent basis then Arsenal supporters have some player on their hands.
Pepe is the type of player, that when on form, he will score those high volume of goals, important goals, and spectacular ones to boot.
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