Two Arsenal players now spotted doing something ‘never seen’ before in training

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Arsenal players Jakub Kiwior and Ethan Nwaneri have not featured too heavily this season, but they are still well-integrated within the squad.

Kiwior was linked with a move away in the January transfer window due to a lack of gametime, having mostly featured away from his natural position in an uncomfortable role at left-back.

Despite making his Arsenal debut last season, Nwaneri is still just 17, but there was frustration amongst the Arsenal fanbase when he failed to feature in games where Mikel Arteta could afford to shuffle his pack earlier on this season.

Nevertheless, their importance is perhaps being emphasised by Arteta in training, as they have now been spotted doing something unusual in the last session.

Jakub Kiwior and Ethan Nwaneri wear armbands in Arsenal training

The pair have now been spotted wearing captains’ armbands in Arsenal training, which, as confirmed by journalist Jeorge Bird, is an unusual move.

“Nwaneri and Kiwior pictured wearing captain’s armbands in today’s training session. Have never seen this previously but might be a new thing to develop leadership skills,” he posted on X.

Wearing armbands in training is not a common occurrence, and for two players on the fringes of the squad to be wearing them, shows that Arteta could be experimenting with another innovation to give his side an extra edge in the title race.

Mikel Arteta wants Arsenal squad to develop leadership skills

Arteta has placed a lot of emphasis on leadership skills amongst his players. Several of his signings, including Martin Odegaard and Oleksandr Zinchenko, are also captains of their National Teams, whilst Declan Rice was West Ham’s captain prior to his move.

Allowing players like Kiwior and Nwaneri to perhaps take centre-stage in training, and be tasked with commanding their sides during the session, may help both young players develop their skills in this regard, whilst also being encouraged to take a more vocal role within the team.

Even if there is little tangible benefit gained from this move, it could be a risk-free innovation which pays off, and fans are intrigued at this latest development ahead of tomorrow’s trip to face West Ham United.

Arsenal are fresh from their stunning victory over Liverpool last week, in which Kiwior put in arguably his best performance of the season as he came on as a half-time substitute for the injured Zinchenko, and the Poland International could yet play a big part in the second half of the season.