U21s: Arsenal v West Ham - Preview

By Lloyd Webb

Julio Pleguezuelo believes that mentoring his little brother has helped him become a good captain.

The Spaniard is expected to lead out Arsenal Under-21s against West Ham on Friday at Emirates Stadium, with the Gunners looking to register their third straight win.

Pleguezuelo younger brother, Xavi, is part of the youth set-up at Barcelona and Julio still gives him advice on how to improve.

“I’m six years older than him. He played for Barcelona before I joined them because I spent six years at Espanyol,” Pleguezuelo told Arsenal.com.

“I then went to Atletico Madrid and my brother went to Barcelona, so the year after that I joined him.

“I have always tried to help him and I still do. I tell him all about my experience as a centre back. As a left back, he’s very good offensively but he has to learn defensively.

“That’s where I can help him. That experience of helping him has definitely made me become someone who can lead a back four and a team.

“I feel I have a bit more responsibility because this is my third season now. I’m quite experienced in English football and it’s always good to help the youngsters who are coming up.”

Pleguezuelo has formed a new central defensive partnership with Krystian Bielik this season, and the Spaniard has used his experience to help his team-mate adapt to a new role.

“I haven’t played many games with him but we’re getting better every game,” he said. "I don’t think he had ever played as a centre back before he came here. He’s a central midfielder naturally but he’s doing very well.”

You can buy tickets to the game here.

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