Arsenal: Nicolas Pepe commitment a shining beacon of hope

In a recent interview, Nicolas Pepe expressed his want to do more for Arsenal. This mindset is ideal and it portends well for the future.

In a recent interview with Metro, £72 million record-signing Nicolas Pepe said this about the first half of his season at Arsenal:

Listen to the latest Episode of the Pain In The Arsenal Podcast here!—The Rebuild 2.0

"“I’ve done OK, but I can certainly do more. In fact, I must do more, and that is certainly something I will be looking to improve on during the second half of the season. The manager has stressed the importance of defending well as a team, and making interceptions when our opponents are trying to attack. In terms of working on my own game, he wants me to get into one-on-one situations, get crosses in, score goals and get assists, of course. He’s shown that he has real confidence in me, and he knows exactly what I’m capable of.”“The hardest period so far for me was when the team went through a difficult spell when we weren’t managing to win a game. We worked hard as a team throughout this time and we finally managed to get that victory at West Ham last month, which was an important moment for us and the fans.”"

More from Pain in the Arsenal

This interview is a shining beacon of hope, both for many aspects of Arsenal’s season and future, and for Pepe’s development as a world-class, Premier League-quality footballer. It shows, first and foremost, the Ivorian’s commitment to the team, and to improving himself.

Not many of the big egos of football would have the self-effacing veracity to announce to the press that they were unhappy, and not because of the state of the club or the management, but because they were not playing up to the high standard they hold themselves too. Pepe is unique in that regard, and it serves him well.

Furthermore, he addressed his role at the club. As the record signing, there is a lot of pressure on his shoulders. But he believes he is ready for it. He said it himself: he is looking to improve, and he believes he can. Simple as that. He possesses a unique combination of humility and self-confidence that will serve as an excellent foundation for a man set not only to become a standout footballer but also a standout individual.

In Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Sheffield United, there were moments when Pepe got frustrated. He would spin in a circle and throw his arms out, heaving a sigh. But after every single instance, he would put his head back down and start running again. The increase in his pressing ability and fitness is noticeable under Mikel Arteta, something else he notes in his interview. Even through frustration, he did not give up.

And his emphasis of Arteta’s impact is telling as well. The Spaniard has instilled a defensive spirit in the 24-year-old, rebuilt confidence back, and above all, has tried to draw out that which Pepe excels at: beating defenders and creating chances. The Ivorian is now a mainstay in Arteta’s plans, and the winger is reaping the rewards. He said so himself.

But for me, the most crucial part of this interview is the end. It is not as if Pepe is solely concerned about his individual performances and devil-may-care when it comes to the team. The hardest part of the year, by his own admission, is when the team was struggling. The win against West Ham, in which Pepe scored his first goal from open play in the league, the eventual match-winner, is his turnaround point. With his personal and the team’s overall success predicated upon that match, it is no mistake he sees it as the key to this season.

Next. Arsenal Vs Sheffield United: 5 things we learned. dark

He knows the effect he can have on this team. His skill and dynamic play is invaluable, and it is becoming crucial to Arsenal’s success in recent weeks. Pépé knows that. But he does not focus on it. Instead, he strives to succeed for the team, play at the top of his game for the name on the front of the shirt, not the back. And that, above all, is the brightest beacon of hope.

Home/Arsenal News