Last night saw the return to the first-team for centre half, Rob Holding and what a return it was for the 24-year old defender.
Holding got his name onto the scoresheet just moments after he became Arsenal captain on the field of play following Mesut Ozil going off. It was a dream return and the young man has been speaking about his role and fellow long term absentees Kieran Tierney and Hector Bellerin.
Talking about his return Holding said via Arsenal.com,
“It’s been a long process and there’s been lot of long days in the gym with me and Hector, but I couldn’t have written it any better myself to make that comeback. The way it panned out was just brilliant”
Next, he linked becoming captain with his well-taken goal
When I got told I was vice captain I was over the moon, so when Mesut came off and passed the armband over I was so happy. Then it went perfectly again, Reiss put a great ball in and I managed to get my head on it.
Holding also reflected on Bellerin’s return and the impact the Spaniard had straight away.
Yeah, he comes on straight away, has a touch and shot that ricocheted out and then he slides in for the assist. He’ll be over the moon with that and I think Calum Chambers had three assists? He’s playing really well at the moment. The young lads that are coming through like Bukayo, Reiss Nelson and Joe Willock have performed at a top, top level too.
Finally, Holding moved onto the performance of Tierney
He’s a top-quality lad and he’s a great lift in the changing room as well. He’s a really nice guy and he’s settled in really well. I’m so happy for him to play and get 60 minutes under his belt.
I like what I am seeing from Holding, he is showing qualities that could see him in contention as a future Arsenal captain.
Holding has had a good return to action, it has gone very well, better than a lot had thought he just needs to continue going the right way, Arsenal is screaming out for a long term rock in the middle of the defence and Holding could just be that man.