How Mikel Arteta can bring the best out of Nicolas Pepe at Arsenal. [Thread]

Mikel Arteta has all the attributes and capability to turn Nicolas Pepe into one of the Premier League’s best wingers. Before we move forward, let me first set the scene.

Summer, 2019. Despite interest from several European giants, Arsenal rose from the bottom and pulled off potentially the biggest shock deal of the summer. Nicolas Pepe was announced to be an Arsenal player on the first of August; after weeks of speculation we had got our man.

Coming from a foreign league to the Premier League, arguably the most physical and challenging league in the world, is never easy- especially when the heavy price tag of £72 million looms over your head.

Throw in several manager changes, a generally under-performing team and a shambolic midfield beside him and you can start to imagine how hard this season will have been for our record signing.

In addition to this, his inconsistency of minutes and lack of a run of games have denied Pepe the opportunity to pick up momentum- further adding to his stunted start.

However, despite, the challenging circumstances, Nicolas Pepe’s goal returns and contribution to the team have been far from awful. In 32 appearances this season, he has contributed to modest 14 goals- scoring 6 and assisting 8 times.

Yes, this is not quite his haul of 35 G/A for Lille last season but, given the predicament the club has found itself in, you cannot say these stats are atrocious. When taking all factors into consideration, it has to be said that Nicolas Pepe has been far from a flop.

At the age of just 24, Pepe’s best years still remain ahead of him. He has the natural talent and key attributes, such as pace and the ability to stay fit, to allow him to reach his high potential at Arsenal.

If he can develop certain aspects of his game, namely his decision making and confidence on the right foot, Nicolas Pepe will easily be able to elevate his game to the next level. This, as you may expect, is where Mikel Arteta can come in.

In many ways, Arteta is the ideal, young manager to elevate Pepe’s game to the heights his talent could allow him to reach. It’s widely accepted in the Manchester City camp as well as across English media that Arteta spent vast periods of one-on-one player development with...

Raheem Sterling and was greeted with much success. He actively developed Sterling’s raw and unrefined talent into a more clinical and decisive player- and one of the best wingers in England. This process, by single-handedly refining Pepe’s talent, is exactly what’s needed.

If Mikel Arteta commits the time and effort into his player management of Nicolas Pepe, we could seriously see him as one of the best wingers in world football not too long from now.

With football hopefully returning soon and a long summer training camp to follow, Arteta should have the time and resources available to facilitate the flourishing of Nicolas Pepe.

End of Thread.

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