Mikel Arteta showers praise on Arsenal star Mohamed Elneny

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on Mohamed Elneny, with the midfielder having been something of a surprise package in 2020/21.

Many had expected the Egypt international to be sold or loaned out again in the last transfer window, but the Spaniard ultimately kept hold of him.

Elneny has now been given a few chances to make his mark in the starting XI, and has thoroughly impressed across his eight appearances so far.

His showing against Manchester United last weekend was arguably his finest so far, and Arteta was sure to praise the 28-year-old at his midweek press conference.

He said (football.london): “I think he is responding really well to all the challenges we are putting in front of him. He had a big one when he came back from his loan spell to show what he could bring to the squad and I think everyone has seen what he can do, so I am really pleased with his performances and what he brings to the team.

Arteta was also asked about a possible new deal for Elneny, to which he responded: “Let’s go step by step please!

“What I can say is that I am really pleased with the player and everything that he is doing and hopefully he can continue like that and perform really well throughout the season.”

TBR’s View – Elneny deserves all the credit

Arsenal fans who wanted Elneny to stick around before a ball was kicked this season were definitely in the minority.

He just didn’t really ever stand out under Arsene Wenger or Unai Emery, but he’s been fantastic when called upon this term by Arteta.

The £50,000-a-week star (Spotrac) played like a man possessed against United on Sunday, and he and new signing Thomas Partey might have something potentially very good going on.