‘I love his mentality’: Mikel Arteta says 24-year-old Arsenal player is simply ‘phenomenal’

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has raved about Gunners striker Eddie Nketiah.

Mikel Arteta has told Arsenal’s official website that Eddie Nketiah is “phenomenal” and has worked really hard to get to where he is now.

Arteta made the comments about the 24-year-old striker following his call-up to the latest England squad.

England will take on Ukraine in a Euro 2024 qualifier on September 9 in Poland.

The Three Lions will then face Scotland in a friendly international at Hampden Park in Glasgow on September 12.

Nketiah will be part of the squad.

The striker has made 92 appearances in the Premier League so far in his career.

Nketiah has scored 16 goals and given three assists in those games.

The Arsenal no. 14 has made two starts and one substitute appearance in the Premier League this season.

The 24-year-old has scored two goals in those matches.

Mikel Arteta on Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah

Arteta said about Nketiah’s England call-up: “I’m so pleased. If someone deserves to be in the England squad, that’s him.

“An academy player that had some moments when his pathway wasn’t very clear and he had to fight.

“I love his mentality, his work rate, how much he loves the game, and how hard he’s fought to be recognised at that level. In this country, to play there is phenomenal. I’m so happy for him.”

Nketiah is not a regular in the Arsenal first team when everyone is fit and available.

The striker does not play when Gabriel Jesus is fit and available.

And that is unlikely to change anytime soon.

However, Nketiah is a very good striker who is a handful for the opposition defences in and around the penalty area.

Arsenal will play in the UEFA Champions League this season.

Nketiah will get chances to showcase what he is capable of.