Arsenal: 6 reasons Arteta deserves huge credit this season

2. Talent Identification – Brilliant Signings

When it comes to talent ID and Arteta it can’t be ignored that this is the same manager who sanctioned the signings of Willian, Cedric Soares and Alex Runarsson. How much of a say Arteta had in those is up for debate, but he gave them all his blessing.

That all changed over the summer.

Well documented was that Edu had eyes on Neto (shock connection) and Emerson Royal as his goalkeeper and right-back. Arteta disagreed. The Spaniard had his heart set on Aaron Ramsdale and Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Neto has made three appearances all season, Emerson has been atrocious for Spurs and cost a fortune, while Ramsdale and Tomiyasu are two recruitment gems who will go down as some of the finest signings in the Emirates era.

Throw in the dynamic Nuno Tavares, the emerging Sambi Lokonga, the exceptional Benjamin White, and the heir to Mesut Ozil, Martin Odegaard, and you’ve got six superb acquisitions that were not in the lenses of rival clubs. These signings required more than just an eye for talent, but also an understanding of character and personality; the players who joined had to fit into the culture being established.

It’s fair to say last summer was a triumph. Three of the six are in the top five for minutes played this season. They’ve been more than integral.

Not too shabby for a bunch of reserves.

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