In my opinion, Rob Holding has been one of the most improved Arsenal players this season, and I don’t think we managed even one clean sheet before he was drafted into the side. But he has now become a regular and is very keen to join up with Gareth Southgate’s young revolution in the England national team. “I think this is my best run in an Arsenal shirt,” Holding said. “Consistency-wise, it’s been 12 games consistently playing to a good level, not playing because someone is injured but on merit. That gives you more confidence.
“Gareth Southgate has brought a refreshed feeling to England with a lot of young lads. If you’re playing well in the Premier League week in, week out, as we saw with Callum Wilson and Lewis Dunk, you’re going to get chances.
“You want to be a part of what they are creating at the moment. Obviously what they did at the World Cup and there is the Euros in over a year’s time. It’s a great time to be involved with England so why wouldn’t you want to be.”
And so he should be involved judging on current form. The ex-Bolton man has also outlined why he has improved so much under Emery’s direction. He continued: “The main difference is how we’re defending when we’re attacking,” he said. “When we’re up the other end of the pitch, how we are organised and prepared for a counter. That has been the biggest difference.
“We’re really focusing on video work, moving as little as five yards in some positions which makes all the difference when getting to the ball.
“When we were playing we would be stood there and no one would be talking to each other, whereas now there is much more communication.
“We seem a bit more organised and a bit more together at the back.”
And long may it continue! If Rob holds onto his place in the team and goes to the Nations League Final this summer, then we may finally have an Arsenal and England player to cheer on at the Euros!
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