Kieran Gibbs says the healthy competition for places is helping every Arsenal player improve.
The Gunners struggled with injuries at the start of the season but Arsene Wenger has recently had a virtually full-strength squad to choose from, which has helped Arsenal win 14 of their last 16 games.
The manager has rotated Gibbs and Nacho Monreal throughout the campaign and the England defender believes their friendly rivalry is only benefiting the team.
"The only way to get better is to put pressure on yourself. You have to set your own standards and that’s the best way"
Kieran Gibbs
“He’s a great guy and he’s been playing really well,” Gibbs told Arsenal Player. “ He’s adapted brilliantly to playing centre back and left back. It doesn’t sound it but it’s two completely different roles. When called upon he has done that really well.
“Every player wants to play. It’s that kind of environment where it’s quite enjoyable. In January we played once a week for a bit so we had a lot of training time together.
“There’s a bit of a hidden battle going on in the dressing room about winning training games which is good and healthy. The players really enjoy it.
“You should never take anything for granted playing for a club like this. You should never expect anything and nothing comes easily. The only way to get better is to put pressure on yourself. You have to set your own standards and that’s the best way.”
Kieran Gibbs
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