Eddie Nketiah has gone from squad player to taking centre-stage in a title charge.
This @TheAthleticFC piece gives you some insight as to the work Eddie & the club have undertaken to make that happen.
THREAD 🧵 (1/7) ⬇️ 🔴⚪️ #AFC
theathletic.com/4127350/2023/0…
🙏 FAITH
On the first day of his first transfer window as Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta recalled Eddie from Leeds.
It was a decision that upset Marcelo Bielsa & Leeds, who had planned for a season-long loan & didn’t receive a refund.
(2/7)
🏋️♂️ PHYSICALITY
As well as his work at the club, Eddie & family hired independent coaches to improve his strength, conditioning, nutrition & sleep.
@chrisvarnavas: “There was definitely a dedication, commitment and hunger to work hard and better himself every day.”
(3/7)
💪 MENTALITY
“His mentality was the thing that made us decide to give him a chance as a scholar,” said Andries Jonker, former academy director.
Eddie says it comes from his Lewisham roots: “That mentality just comes from the way I was raised, the area I grew up in.”
(4/7)
📍 TACTICS
Nketiah has worked on his all-round centre-forward play practically every day.
Among the main focuses for Arteta and his staff has been how he receives the ball with his back to goal, and the areas of the pitch in which he can help his team-mates.
(5/7)
📝 STRATEGY
#AFC chose to put faith in Eddie rather than sign new striker in January.
Research from @TwentyFirstGrp suggests that was wise: 34% of strikers signed in Jan don’t even score for their team that season.
(6/7)
There’s loads more interesting bits in the piece, including:
🔴 The thinking behind Arsenal awarding him contract
🔴 Video sessions with Albert
🔴 Upcoming international future dilemma
Hope you enjoy & thanks for reading. (7/7)
@TheAthleticFC 🔴⚪️ #AFC
theathletic.com/4127350/2023/0…
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