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How Holding has ‘stepped up’ a gear again

In Arsène Wenger’s words, Rob Holding has gone through the “ups and downs” young centre halves experience when establishing themselves in the Premier League.

The England Under-21 international has been in and out of the team this season but scored his first goal for us in the 4-2 win at BATE Borisov before the international break.

Per Mertesacker played alongside Holding in that game - and our club captain believes his team-mate has the temperament and mentality to forge a successful career with us.

“I think he learns a lot,” Mertesacker told Arsenal Player. “He’s consistently learning, he wants to learn and is trying to make things happen for himself. 

“I think he’s coming right back. In your second year, that’s the normal struggle you go through. Sometimes it’s hard to explain, because he just wants to keep going. It doesn’t always go like that. 

“I’m quite happy with his recent form, because he’s stepped up again and tried to prioritise. Sometimes you have to make sure you win your duels and play the simple pass, instead of playing that final ball. Sometimes you need to know what you do as a defender, play without mistakes at the start and even when you get more confidence, you can play those balls. 

“He understands what it means to be a professional footballer. You have those dips and those situations where you know it’s going to be difficult, but just move on from them. He’s done that quite well. 

“He wants to take responsibility and in moments of frustration it’s hard to come back from them, but he understand that it’s a journey and that’s what I like about him.”

Arsene Wenger on Rob Holding
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