Francis Coquelin has suggested on the Pure Football podcast that he thinks Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka have really benefited from having Mikel Arteta in charge at Arsenal.
Arteta has come in for some criticism at Arsenal this season, with the Gunners performing below expectations in the league.
However, he really has trusted in youth this term – with the Spaniard clearly not afraid to throw his best prospects into his starting line-up.
Smith Rowe and Saka have become prominent players for Arsenal, after being introduced to the first-team by Arteta.
And Coquelin feels that Arsenals should remain patient with Arteta, despite their poor league form.
“You have to give him time. He’s giving a lot of game time to the young players as well, which they are giving back because they are performing really well,” he said.
“The likes of Saka and Emile Smith Rowe this year they have been flourishing for Mikel.
“I think that shows that he has the mentality that if you play well and if you add something to the team he will play you.
“He’s always been like that, so I’m happy for him.”
Coquelin did previously play with Arteta, and he spoke highly of his former teammate on the podcast.
The Villarreal midfielder could help put further pressure on Arteta’s job tonight though.
Arsenal are set to take on Coquelin’s side in the Europa League and if they are beaten the the Gunners current boss’s position will come under even more pressure.
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