Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is far more than just a goalscorer.
The Gabon international finished as the Premier League’s joint-top scorer last season and already has seven to his name this term. But it’s his positive attitude and experience that’s led to him becoming our new vice-captain.
Unai Emery spoke about Auba ahead of the visit of Bournemouth on Sunday – and this is what he said:
on Aubameyang’s qualities…
He is an experienced player now. He played in France, Germany and now in England at a high level and with a high performance. His experience is good, his team-mates decided with the vote that they wanted him as vice-captain. I am usually speaking with him and now he is more confident and more mature in the Premier League compared to when I arrived last year, he came only six months before me. He scored a lot of goals last year but has now also taken a big responsibility within the team and he is one of the captains who can manage in the dressing room.
on his positive attitude…
Yes, really I told him when he decided against Aston Villa when we were losing to give the penalty to Pepe for his confidence, it was an amazing decision. It showed him as a big player with big responsibility in this team, a captain of this team. He gave that responsibility to Pepe and in that moment it was a great moment between two big players – a very good connection. In the the dressing room and in the matches, that connection with Pepe, also with Lacazette, it means Aubameyang is important to make these positive connections.
on suggestions that he was disruptive earlier in his career…
I usually use the contact between players and me, I like to speak to them a lot of the time but will also ask them to come and speak to me and tell me how he is feeling. I will speak with him in my office, the hotel or the dressing room. First we built a human connection and then as a player and then I know I can ask him what I want and what the team needs – he always listens and will always give his best to provide that. He will play all minutes, some minutes, all games if we ask that of him and he is always ready to play again – this is also showing his leadership qualities.
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