‘His chance will arrive’: Mikel Arteta impressed by 21-year-old Arsenal talent with ‘special qualities’

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has waxed lyrical about Joe Willock after the Gunners youngster put in another inspired performance in the Europa League last night.

Arteta named the 21-year-old midfielder in the Arsenal starting XI for the meeting with Dundalk at the Emirates Stadium last week.

Willock rewarded his manager with a superb goal just before the break en route to a 3-0 win.

Aside from getting on the scoresheet, he showed superb movement, the opposition defence struggling to cope with his runs from deeper positions.

Though Willock missed out on a place in the squad against Manchester United at the weekend, he returned to the starting line-up against Molde.

And once again, the youngster shone with an energetic, tireless display which saw him involved in two goals before getting on the scoresheet late on the 4-1 win.

“Joe Willock could have scored more, he created a goal and a good performance,” Arteta told BT Sport, via BBC Sport (22:21).

“Keep doing what he is doing consistently and his chance will arrive (in the Premier League).”

Arteta also spoke to Football London and, with Willock putting in such a great display, he was once again the topic of conversation.

“I think he was really strong in his performance,” he added. “The way he’s approaching every opportunity it shows how mature he is.

“I saw his press conference as well I’m impressed the way he’s communicated. He’s developing the right way.

“He’s a player I like – he has some special qualities and he’s showing it with his performances, his goals and his attitude.”

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Willock is undoubtedly a talented young player who’s up against some tough competition for minutes at Arsenal, but he’s certainly staked a claim with his superb displays in the Europa League.

Surely it’s just a matter of time before he gets Premier League minutes, and if he keeps on this trajectory, becoming a first-team regular could be on the cards soon enough.