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Mikel Arteta names two Arsenal youngsters who have 'really impressed' him
Mikel Arteta has a number of promising youngsters that he can call on at Arsenal.
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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been "really impressed" by the attitude of youngsters Joe Willock and Eddie Nketiah. The pair have been on the fringes of the squad so far this season, with just one Premier League start between them.
Nketiah has had to settle for cameo appearances off the bench, while Willock is yet to feature in the league.
Both have been regulars in the Carabao Cup and Europa League, with more established stars currently ahead of them in the pecking order.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal's trip to Leeds, Arteta praised the duo.
"I mentioned with Joe that I've been really impressed with Joe the way he's handled the situation of not having much game time in the Premier League," Arteta said.
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"How he's handled not having much game time in the Premier League."The reflection of that is the way he's played in the Europa League when he had the minutes or the Carabao Cup. He has a chance like everybody else.
"Another one [Nketiah] is fighting and knocking on the door everyday.
"I really like his mentality. He scored two and he comes to the training ground and said 'I should have scored four'.
"That's the type of ambition and hunger you want from players.
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"I'm happy with both of them."
Arteta also weighed in on the debate about whether the Premier League should introduce five substitutes and the Spaniard is a fan of the idea.
"I'm all for it to extend the numbers and the squad," he added.
"We have a big squad for different reasons.
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"We have to leave several players at home and let's try to help them. Meaning at home means at home.
"Even mentally for them to feel involved you are two days without the squad and your team-mates.
"Let's make them involved at least with what we're trying to do here.
"I think there are easy decisions. Let's hope we can change it."
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