Mikel Arteta had admitted that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has developed as a leader off the field over the past couple of years, and that’s helped ‘benefit’ the club.
The Gabon international was handed the captaincy after Granit Xhaka was stripped of the role back in November 2019 when Unai Emery was still in charge at the Emirates.
Some Arsenal fans initially questioned whether he was capable of being the voice the players needed in the dressing room, but he’s shown moments of true leadership over the past couple of seasons.
He’s started this campaign in fine form and has led from the front with a positive mindset, something Arteta admired.
“I have never seen Auba [Aubameyang] transmit what he is doing now,” he told Arsenal Media.
“Apart from the goals, the celebration when they put the ball in the net, do you see the way he runs? The purpose he has to press the ball, and when he takes it his movement, his link, how is leading the game – that is when he is changing the rest, not when he is static and then he puts the ball in the net. I prefer this Auba.”
The Spaniard continued by suggesting that Aubameyang challenged himself to be better as a captain, and the team are starting to reap the rewards for his – as well as Alexandre Lacazette’s – off-field efforts.
“For me it is a click. It is a combination that realising that his role has to go well beyond that,” Arteta said.
“What was good, or very good, two or three years ago, with his role in this team, at this club, it is not enough. He had to take a step forward.
“I would say the same with Laca, [Lacazette] look what he is transmitting, not just doing or playing, what he is transmitting. For me that is really, really important.
It hasn’t been a great start for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta looks to arrest the slide
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“They lead by example and not only there but as well at the training ground. Certain things, a role they could have had three years ago in the squad, now it has changed.
“Human beings change themselves every six months, they have all new selves, and it’s incredible so we are able to adapt very quickly and manipulate and change our minds very quickly as well. They are doing that for the benefit of the club, but for sure for the benefit of themselves [too].”
Aubameyang could well be rested for Tuesday night’s clash with Leeds United in the Carabao Cup, but if Arteta’s words are anything to go by, he’ll still be able to influence the team in a positive way.