'I just look up to him and want to learn'

Joe Willock is in the perfect place to continue his development as a central midfielder.

The 20-year-old has been associated with us since he was just four, rising through our youth ranks to become a regular in our first-team squad.

 

And now with Mikel Arteta installed as our head coach, Willock knows he will continue to get better in his role.

 

"For me, as a centre mid - because he played centre mid as well - he's taught me a few different things about positioning, waiting for the centre back to drive out before I go," the Hale End graduate explained.

 

"It's just timing and loads of different things, loads of different things that can make such a big difference on the pitch. He's taught me all that already. I'm just really happy and really excited about the future, and how it's going to go.

 

"He's brought a different sort of energy and different sort of tactic that you can relate to more. I feel like everyone's excited, there's a big buzz around the changing room, and everyone's laughing again.

 

"He's worn the t-shirt, he's played for Arsenal, he's been with the staff members who are still here as well. For me, I just look up to him and I want to learn from him. I'm just looking forward to it.

 

"Everyone's got their head up and we're trying to build confidence in each other and on the pitch as well. I feel like hopefully we can transmit that on the pitch."