Mikel Arteta feels Joe Willock can be a real asset to Arsenal in the number ten role

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta feels promising young midfielder Joe Willock can mature into an ‘outstanding’ option in the number ten position for the club.

Arteta has inherited a promising crop of young players and has been charged with bringing the Arsenal way back to the club.

One issue with many young players is that their versatility can get them into the first team setup but prevent them nailing down one role but Arteta told Football.London about his hopes for Willock.

He said: “[Saka and Willock] were terrific. Their courage to play and make big decisions. I think Joe can be an outstanding player in that [number ten] position.”

TBR’s View – Willock’s eye for goal makes him worth freeing up

It can be hard for a young midfielder to come into the side in a deeper role and dictate play from there.

But since Aaron Ramsey’s departure, Arsenal lack a goalscoring central midfielder and Willock now has five goals to his name in his breakthrough season (Transfermarkt).

Perhaps that side of the game has been lost on some playmakers, in search of assists and prettier passing but having an eye for goal can make a player stand out and makes Willock worth freeing up as and when Arteta can manage that.