5 reasons for Arsenal fans to be optimistic about Mikel Arteta

3. Intelligence

One of the most important qualities of a footballer is to adapt over time. Mikel Arteta epitomes that.

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He has played in a variety of roles, starting his career as a play-making winger, before moving into a more central, attacking-midfield position, then subsequently slipping deeper into a more traditional central midfield role, before finally ending his career as Arsenal’s midfield anchorman, despite not having the natural height and strength to play there.

His reading of the game is his biggest strength. He was an excellent interceptor of passes, he would position himself wonderfully, even if sometimes his natural lack of athleticism would harm his efficacy, and he was consistently communicating with those around him.

He was also called ‘coach’ by many of the players during his latter years at the club due to his astute tactical knowledge and input in training sessions. He was an extremely intelligent player, and that has seemingly translated to his coaching.