Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta discussed the rise in level of performance of Nicolas Pepe over the last few weeks.
The Ivorian was written off by many after an inconsistent first part of the season. Some fans even expected him to be sold in the summer, but it is safe to say, he has proved plenty of people wrong with his performances over the last few weeks.
Pepe has found a new lease of life on the left flank. His best performances as a Gunner have come in that position in recent weeks, and Arteta has claimed that he has noticed a ‘click’ that has completely changed his mentality.
Arteta: Pepe will go to the next level very soon
Asked what Pepe needs to do more, Arteta told Arsenal.com: “Again, that he can maintain that level now for months, not weeks. I think he’s done much much better.
“I think there has been a click with him, even in his mentality, how he’s approaching every training session, the importance of every action in the game and how he can sustain his focus and his determination during games, I really like his attitude.
“What’s he’s done in the last few weeks I think it’s been much better. He still has a lot of room to improve and grow and he’s willing to do that so I’m expecting him to go to the next level very soon.”
Arsenal Insider’s view:
Pepe has been someone who has divided opinion ever since he arrived. Nobody can question his talent and skill, but there have been doubts over whether he can be consistently brilliant throughout the season.
The last few weeks have been extremely positive. He has been brilliant on Arsenal’s left-wing and the fact that Arteta has noticed a change in his mentality is excellent news for all of us.
Arsenal fans will be hoping that he can keep this up. Arteta believes that he is on the verge of taking his game to the next level. Frankly, we can’t wait to see how good he will be once he gets there.
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