Eddie Nketiah is no Gabriel Jesus and will always be different from the Brazilian frontman who has been injured since the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.
However, the English striker has stepped up well for Mikel Arteta’s side and has scored four goals in four competitive matches since the restart.
His personal trainer has now revealed the forward’s return to form is partly because of how he has built his body over the last few seasons.
Nketiah has moved from a skinny kid that could easily be bullied into a tough competitor whom opponents struggle to tame.
Chris Varnavas tells ESPN via the Daily Mail:
‘He’s [Nketiah] one of the best athletes we’ve got on our books in terms of his attitude and commitment. He’s just on another level.
‘His goal was to build a bit of muscle, build some strength and work on his athleticism. So, like his strength, his speed and his power.
‘So, yeah, we sat down with the family, with himself and we put a plan together. What we do in the gym, we transfer it onto the pitch. That’s the most important thing. ‘
Just Arsenal Opinion
The Premier League is a very tough competition and Nketiah knows he needs to bulk up if he wants to successfully outcompete defenders.
The decision to get a personal trainer who can help him improve proves the 23-year-old is one man who desires to be the best he can be.
As long as he keeps scoring, more chances will come his way at the Emirates and we expect him to take them.
He is a bit slower than when he was skinner. You will notice that he is no more charging at goalkeeper like he did a year ago. He feels heavier and easier to catch up with. However, he is still quick than a lot of players.
Indeed, the body transformation he went through is not negligible. In fact it does really help him beat strong defenders and contribute to the team.
But more importantly the fact that he made arsenal fans not miss Jesus really stanfs out. Not only is his physicality but technical ability, hold up play, dropping deep to recieve the ball and link up with teammates, his finishing and above all his confidence makes him a perfect backup for the injured Jesus. And maybe just maybe he can take his place if he improves.
I’m really happy for him. But for now the focus is on the NLD.
COYG.
Eddie Nketiah is at a crucial point in his development. His movement and running style reminds me of Ian Wright, and what Gooner wouldn’t want Wrighty back in the team? Let’s not try to turn Eddie into another Jesus. He has a knack for being in the right place and is a good finisher. The next few months will dictate his long-term future at the club.
Looks like a disciplined kid. Not a Greenwood, Foden,Grealish,Wilshire etc. Discipline and hardwork and the sky is and stepping stone.
Fair play to Eddie who is doing his thing, still some reservations about whether can replicate it and be clinical enough in tight games against the big teams, 1 chance 1 goal sort of thing. Interesting reports that both Milan clubs are interested in Balogun and our asking price is £30M, I could actually see us selling him if our valuation is met as I think Eddie is Arteta’s guy and Balogun being 3rd choice doesn’t really benefit him
Attitude and commitment could describe anyone who wants to succeed.
Having that extra ability and footballing sense, sets apart those who are going to be top players.
I’m keeping my fingers crossed that MA will find those two extra attributes… meanwhile, Balogun seems to have come on leaps and bounds.
Arsenal need striker ,midfielder,centerback ,another very good goal keeper to compete tough epl club.Buy worthy player only and get rid the fringe player.
It is good to have young and disciplined players, they take instructions without pulling their faces. I love all Arsenal lads.
So mean we need a new full team ??? Striker, midfield, goalkeeper , really???