Mikel Arteta made player change how he WALKED after Arsenal breakthrough

Mikel Arteta influence at Arsenal is perhaps best summed up by Ethan Nwaneri explaining how the Gunners boss has changed the way he walks having noticed things he didn’t like

Ethan Nwaneri claims Mikel Arteta has improved on him on so many levels – including changing the way he walks after noticing the teenager slouching too much.

Nwaneri remains Arsenal’s youngest ever player having appeared off the bench against Brentford back in 2022. He’s continued to improve at a rapid rate and has just enjoyed his best season to date as Arteta continues to put faith in the teenage forward.

The former Manchester City assistant is known for his intensity and was quick to pull Nwaneri up when he saw how he was walking and sitting. Arteta is “really big on body language” and has translated that onto his players.

Nwaneri said: “There’s a lot to learn from Mikel. If you ever met him, you’d see how intense he is. He’s so good with his words and he knows what he’s saying. On a personal level as well, he’s helped me a lot. He’s elevated my game, definitely. He’s really big on body language and the way that he presents himself. He puts that on to me.

“Before, maybe just the way that I’d walk or slouch a bit or just the way I’d be sitting, but he’s on to everything. That’s helped me just sharpen up in my mind and it’s helped me a lot.”

READ MORE: Kieran Tierney completes Celtic return to become Arsenal’s 17th summer departureREAD MORE: Arsenal looked set to seal move for midfield star before transfer snub and Real Madrid hijacking

The 18-year-old scored nine times in 37 outings across all competitions and become increasingly influential when Arsenal’s frontline was depleted by injuries with plaudits often coming his way – Joe Cole declaring him England’s “most exciting player”.

Nwaneri has quickly risen through the system at international level and will be key in trying to help Lee Carsley’s U21 side defend their European Championship title in Slovakia this summer. Already there is talk of a full international cap such has been his impact on games.

Thomas Tuchel has shown he’s happy to make surprise squad decisions and Nwaneri is a man who has impressed almost every time he’s taken to the pitch. That hasn’t surprised him though and the youngster’s motivation is plain to see.

“Before each season I can see where I’m going to be at the end of it,” he said. “I’ve always had that ability to see and visualise where I want to be and put my mind towards it. I wasn’t really surprised, but I think now it’s just [a question of] what’s the next step and what I need to do to get to where I want to be.”

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.