Mikel Arteta says Arsenal 21-year-old has really stunned him in training

Follow us on Google Discover

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has raved about Joe Willock on the club’s official website.

Arteta has said that he has been impressed by the 21-year-old midfielder in training.

The Spaniard has hailed the youngster for showing his commitment and positive attitude despite lack of playing time in the Premier League.

Arteta has added that Willock could get his chance to play for Arsenal in their Premier League game against Leeds United this weekend.

The Arsenal boss told the club’s official website about Willock: “I mentioned with Joe that I’ve been really impressed with him, the way he’s handled the situation of not having much game time in the Premier League.

“I haven’t seen him train like he’s done in the last five or six weeks under difficult circumstances. I think the reflection of that is the way he’s playing in the Europa League when he’s had the minutes, or the Carabao Cup in this case. He has a chance like everybody else to play on Sunday.”

Staying patient

Willock has made two starts and one substitute appearance in the Europa League for Arsenal so far this season, scoring two goals and providing one assist in the process, according to WhoScored.

The young midfielder has yet to play in the Premier League this season, but he did make eight starts and 21 substitute appearances in the league during the 2019-20 campaign, according to WhoScored.

Arsenal have a good and competitive squad, and Willock will have to continue to work hard in training and push for a place in the starting lineup in the Premier League.

The Gunners are aiming to finish in the top four of the Premier League table this season and are also looking to make an impact in the Europa League.