‘What Per brings to the dressing room’

By Connor Armstrong

Jack Wilshere believes Per Mertesacker’s appointment as club captain is a natural progression of the defender’s role at the club.

The World Cup winner will take the armband following Mikel Arteta’s departure at the end of last season, and Wilshere says the German is the ideal candidate.

“It is good news for us. For me anyway, over the last few seasons he has been like a captain,” Wilshere told Arsenal Player.

“He is a natural leader and I know he has picked up a injury, but he can still bring so much to us as a team. I’m sure if you ask the other boys, they will say he would be an obvious choice for captain. We are happy.

“He is organised, and he won’t take any nonsense from anyone. If someone is late or on their phone, he is on to them - it doesn’t matter who you are. He is the one who organises our team dinners so for me he is a great choice.

After sustaining an injury against Lens, Mertesacker will be sidelined for some time and Wilshere has called upon his team-mates to step up in his absence.

“Without the captain on the pitch - I know he will be around in the dressing room - but without him on the pitch we are all going to need to step up as individuals and as a team," he said.

“I think we have got the players to do that. We have a few players in our team who are natural leaders so I think we will be alright.”