Arsenal FC is slowly shaping up in the way that Mikel Arteta wants the team to be. Aside from that, the people who are believing he is the right guy for the job is increasing. Shkodran Mustafi is one of them, a player who has found a new lease on life since the arrival of the 38-year-old Spaniard.
Mustafi was one of the players who did not exactly hit it well at the Arsenal camp. Most expected him to be leaving soon. But this dates back to the time when Unai Emery was still around. A lot has changed since then. And it took just one break from Arteta to show his talent. Now, he is looking forward to playing for the Gunners for a longer spell. The German believes that Arteta is steering the team in the right direction and the club now has an identity. Mustafi said these in a piece on the team's official site.
"He has brought a very clear identity and a very clear idea of how he wants to play football, but at the same time, he gives you space to make your own decisions because you are on the pitch and you know exactly what the coach wants from you," Mustafi said.
Mustafi also understands that you cannot please everyone. There are players on the Gunners side who are expected to leave. Among those names include Mesut Ozil and Grant Xhaka. While he cannot speak for them, the German has found new meaning and passion, knowing his role in Arteta's system.
"I have benefitted from his arrival and his coaching. When you are 28 years old, you think you have heard everything and then a coach comes in and you still learn and hear things that you have never heard before," he said.
Mustafi got his break when Arsenal played and won over Olympiacos during the first leg of the Europa League last 32 tie. The German did not disappoint and is now looking forward to being part and helping the team moving forward.
For Arsenal, the immediate concern right now is to find new blood in preparation for the departure of some players. Several names have been linked to the team such as Alassane Plea and Moussa Diaby. However, Arteta can only do so much with the team dealing with budget issues. Like most teams, the Gunners are likely to get the best talent available but for a reasonable price.
