Mikel Arteta has given his thoughts on Eddie Nketiah and Joe Willock ahead of Arsenal’s game against Leeds on Sunday.
While neither have been regulars in the Gunners’ Premier League side, both have been banging on the door of the first team with their form in the Carabao Cup and Europa League.
Joe Willock in particular has impressed with three goals in all competitions. However, the 21-year-old is yet to play even a minute of league football this season.
With Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny both out for the trip to Elland Road there is a high chance that the youngster could be handed a start.
Speaking in his press conference ahead of the game, Mikel Arteta was effusive in his praise of Willock’s attitude.
“I mentioned with Joe that I've been really impressed with Joe the way he's handled the situation of not having much game time in the Premier League” he said.
“How he's handled not having much game time in the Premier League, the reflection of that is the way he's played in the Europa League when he had the minutes or the Carabao Cup.
“He has a chance like everybody else.”
Eddie Nketiah has also been on the fringes of the first team this season.
This is in part down to his form at youth level. The 21-year-old became England’s record under-21 goalscorer last month, and added another two to his tally over the most recent international break.
However, he hasn’t quite managed to carry that form over into his club football where he has managed just three goals.
Yet again though Arteta was keen to praise the mentality of his young players, and suggested that if Nketiah keeps training well then first team opportunities would eventually follow.
“Another one is fighting and knocking on the door everyday” he said of the 20-year-old.
“I really like his mentality. He scored two and he comes to the training ground and said 'I should have scored four'.
“That's the type of ambition and hunger you want from players. I'm happy with both of them.
Sunday’s fixture marks a return for Nketiah to the club where he spent the first half of last season on loan.
With Alexandre Lacazette woefully out of form there is a chance the youngster could start the game.
