Mikel Arteta faced criticism earlier this season for not providing enough opportunities to Arsenal’s young talents, particularly after the club lost Chido Obi-Martin to Manchester United. This was not the first time Arsenal had seen a promising youngster depart under his management, with Folarin Balogun also being sold and Ayden Heaven joining United in January.
Despite these concerns, Arteta has undeniably transformed Arsenal into a far stronger side since his arrival, securing comfortable finishes in the Champions League spots. However, some have expected him to promote more players from the club’s renowned academy, which is regarded as one of the best in world football.
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s England debut was a timely reminder that Arsenal continues to produce elite talent capable of representing national teams. While the Gunners will undoubtedly groom more future stars, it seems unfair that Arteta’s dedication to player development was ever questioned.
Although he may not have promoted many academy graduates before this season, Arteta has played a crucial role in the development of players already within the first-team setup. Bukayo Saka, for example, was far from a finished product when he broke into the senior squad, yet under Arteta’s guidance, he has flourished into one of the best wingers in the world. Similarly, Martin Odegaard was struggling to make an impact at Real Madrid before Arsenal signed him, and he has since developed into one of the finest playmakers in football.
It is easy to measure a manager’s success in talent development purely by the number of academy graduates he promotes. However, Arteta deserves significant credit for improving the players at his disposal and turning them into world-class performers. Talent development extends beyond promoting young players—it also involves maximising the potential of those already in the squad. Arteta has demonstrated this ability time and again, proving that his influence on player growth goes well beyond the academy.
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The Negetives outweighs the positives IMO of Arteta’s talent development. If he was that good, Mika Berieth would be the one leading the lines now in the absence of a traditional CF. I miss the Wenger days, when you see raw talents being given the opportunity to sell themselves.
Would that be the same Berieth that was sold because he wouldn’t sign a new contract ?
All he wanted was an assurance of significant Game time. But for our dear Arteta, if you’re not his favorite, forget about it
“ “I enjoyed my loan spell, and we won the championship and the cup. When I came back to Arsenal and saw that playing time was a long way off, I wanted to come back to Graz.
“There were a few clubs enquiring, but I made it very clear that I wanted to return to Sturm Graz, where I have felt welcome and part of the team.”
In his own words which sums up the whole Arsenal set up under Artetas tenure,the 2 lads this season have only got look in because of injuries.
No player can be given assurances of playing time, that has to be earned.
Maybe he never fitted out style of football, where the CF has to work off the ball, which is why Sesko isn’t a CF I would sign.
Good managers change styles to suit players ,we all know Arteta as one way of playing (pep’s old set up ).
Great managers bring their own style,until Arteta brings something new to the table he’s just another manager .
Are you telling me Mika couldn’t have scored goals in the PL ?
Hes made for this league .
We all know Arteta does not do strikers
👍HD
He just wanted assurance of game time. No deal. Good for MA (and ultimately the Arsenal).
How is that good ?🤔
We sold him for 2.5 mill
6 months later he’s sold for 15 mill,now worth probably double maybe triple .
I see your mentioned MA before the club,which tells me everything I need to know about your post ,s
Arteta before the Arsenal……
Cringe.
Whatever distortions you want to make.