Mikel Arteta has revealed the long-terms plans for Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock this season, per the club’s official website.
What’s the word?
Willock has enjoyed something of a breakthrough in north London this season, making 30 appearances in all competitions.
A total of 16 of those have been starts, with the 20-year-old scoring four goals, two of which came in the Europa League and the other two in the EFL Cup.
An England U21 international, Willock can play in both attacking midfield and central midfield and Arteta has revealed that he is likely to play as a No.10 throughout his Gunners career.
Can you name all of these obscure Arsenal signings? Give it a go now!
He said: “I think so.
“I think he’s perfect to play in that role. I think he’s got incredible physical attributes but as well he’s a very intelligent boy.
“He learns really quickly, he’s very willing, I think he’s developing really, really well and I’m very pleased with him.”
Ozil’s long-term replacement
Willock could well be the long-term replacement for Mesut Ozil.
The Germany international is 31 and his contract expires at the end of next season.
While he has played in all of the last nine league games under Arteta, he has completed the 90 minutes just three times in those games.
It suggests that he could be nearing the point where he is phased out of the starting XI, with Willock climbing up the opposite side of the mountain.
He has been in exceptional form for the youth teams too – scoring 18 goals and registering 17 assists in total – and Arteta is clearly high on the potential he offers.
He could save the club a fortune when it comes to attempting to replace Ozil.
Meanwhile, take a look at Arsenal's potential XI against Olympiacos!