Joe Willock has relayed a conversation he had with Mikel Arteta about his path to the first-team in his press conference prior to the Gunners’ Europa League game.
Willock hasn’t been a regular starter for the London club this term and the signing of Thomas Partey has left Arteta with a number of options in his midfield.
Fortunately, Willock hasn’t been disheartened by the competition for places, and Arteta has assured him that, if he plays well, he will get chances.
“For me I thrive off competition so when I had the competition with him that was a conversation that it was negative for me, it was something positive. I want to learn off these players that were coming in and I can train with every day and sort of compete with them.
“I’m 21 years of age and I want to compete with these players and I said to him that’s what I want to do and it was very encouraging for him to support me and say if I play well I’ll get the chance so that’s what I’m trying to do right now.”
That’s about as fair as any manager can be.
Willock can’t be expecting to start week in, week out. After all, he is a young player who still has a lot to learn. But if he shows Arteta that he’s good enough, it seems he will get chances.
The Spanish manager had a tough job on his hands trying to keep everyone happy as competition for places heats up, but it seems as though he’s given Willock the assurances he needs.
Whether or not Willock can force Arteta’s hand remains to be seen. But the Spaniard has thrown down the gauntlet and that could bring the best out of the youngster.
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