Mikel Arteta says that ensuring Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain fulfils his vast potential has become a personal project for him.
The new Arsenal captain has underlined his commitment to bringing through some of the club’s most talented young players after taking over the armband.
That starts with Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is back to full fitness after injuries set him back last season.
"I see so much potential in him - he's been a bit unlucky with injuries but he's like my little project"
Mikel Arteta
“We have some fantastic young players at the club and I feel a responsibility as captain to help them develop,” Arteta told the official matchday programme. “One of the things that I like doing on the pitch is helping people around me to get better, to improve them.
“I've seen the strides forward that Aaron has made - it has been unbelievable and I'm very happy for him because he's developed into one of the best midfielders in Europe. You can also see it with Kieran Gibbs and with many other players, like Chambo.
“I see so much potential in him - he's been a bit unlucky with injuries but he's like my little project. He needs to get that continuity, because if he gets that, he's got everything to become a top player. He needs to believe in what he's got and I really think we will see a big season from him.
“When you consider that we have him, plus the likes of Yaya Sanogo, Joel Campbell and Theo - who has become a top goalscorer and was missed in the last few months - you can see how much young attacking talent we have got here and they’re only going to get better. That is amazing to be part of.”
Read Mikel's first captain's notes in the official #AFCvCPFC matchday programme
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