Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has told Arsenal.com that he considers Joe Willock to be a ‘special’ talent.
Willock made more appearances than any other Arsenal player last term, but he has struggled badly for game time this time around.
The return of Mohamed Elneny from loan and the addition of Thomas Partey means that Arsenal now have far more midfield options.
That has seen Willock have to make do with a reserve role.
But Arteta insists that he still rates the 21-year-old highly, and he considers him a unique talent in Arsenal’s squad.
“We considered a few options for him but he’s a player I really like,” Arteta said.
“He has some special qualities that only he has in this squad, and that we have to use. I think you could see the last game he showed what he can do, to play in those pockets and to make runs into certain areas.
“He’s got the ability to make the box, his physicality and he’s grown in his understanding of the game and areas where he needs to be involved to affect the game.
“It’s growing all the time. I’m really happy with the way he’s evolving, he’s doing everything he can, so the fact he’s not playing more is because of the competition in those areas.”
Willock’s last first team appearance for Arsenal was highly impressive, and has surely boosted him up the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium.
Wilock claimed a goal and an assist in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Dundalk in the Europa League last week, and is now likely to start again this evening.
The Gunners take on Molde tonight, and if they can pick up the three points then they will take a very commanding position in their Europa League group.
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