Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was an excellent midfielder back in the day.
The Spaniard was educated at Barcelona’s prestigious La Masia academy before he moved to Paris Saint-Germain in France. He then had a spell at Rangers before moving to the Premier League to play for Everton and then Arsenal.
Arteta played in all three midfield positions in his career and did a great job at the highest level. But if he played today, the Gunners boss only has one position in mind – striker!
Be honest: How good was Mikel Arteta as a player?
Mikel Arteta says he would only play as a striker for Arsenal in the modern game
Almost every footballer started as a striker when they were a kid.
William Saliba claimed that he scored dozens of goals as a centre-forward while growing up, while several other players in the squad have expressed their desire to play at the top end of the pitch as well.
Mikel Arteta may well have been a striker as a kid too, but he made a name for himself as a fantastic midfielder.
The Spaniard was excellent on the ball, was a great passer, had brilliant vision, and he had an eye for goal too.
He scored a few screamers from distance during his time in the Premier League.
In his press conference on Tuesday, Arteta was asked about how the game has evolved in recent years and whether he would be good enough to play today.
He replied, as per HaytersTV: “Me? As a nine, only as a nine!”
Build the perfect Arsenal striker and explain your answers 👀
Mikel Arteta said the exact opposite about playing as a striker one year ago
Arteta has never been short of confidence, but he is brutally honest as well.
In 2025, when Arsenal were decimated with injuries and had to finish the season with no recognised striker, a journalist tried to joke with the Gunners’ boss.
Speaking about a stunning strike Arteta scored from the edge of the box for Everton against Liverpool in a Merseyside Derby, the journalist said: “When I saw that goal, you took it down beautifully, 20 yards out, you hit it with your right foot, and there was no chance for Pepe Reina.
“It looks like you might have an answer to your striker problems?”
Arteta replied, as per HaytersTV: “I think we will be in big trouble, my friend.”
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