Eddie Nketiah has praised Gabriel Jesus’ excellent start to life at Arsenal, but also acknowledges that his own lack of first-team opportunities has become frustrating.
Nketiah was rumored to be leaving the Gunners after his last contract expired in the summer, but he signed a new five-year deal to remain with the team after impressing Mikel Arteta at the end of the previous campaign, scoring five league goals. goals in seven games.
Nketiah’s first-team opportunities have been limited so far in the season due to the £45m summer acquisition of Jesus, who came from Manchester City.
The 23-year-old has featured in each of Arsenal’s nine games this season, although he has yet to start a Premier League match.
influence of jesus
Jesus has now scored five goals and provided three assists for his new team since joining Emirates Stadium.
Despite Nketiah’s diminished role in recent weeks as a result, the Arsenal player was full of admiration for his new team-mate ahead of Thursday night’s Europa League match against Bodo/Glimt.
What did Nketiah say?
Jesus is a fantastic player,” Nketiah said on Wednesday night. “It’s fun to play with and watch. I’m incredibly excited for him because he’s such a lovely man off the pitch and he’s off to a great start.
“I don’t really see it as me against him; I think about what is best for the team. Occasionally we will participate in cooperative games. We have shown our ability to cooperate while having fun.
“We showed our ability to work together when we played each other in preseason. We both hit the ball fluently and enjoyed moving around. He’s off to a good start, so let’s hope he continues for the team.
Against Bodo/Glimt, the Hale End graduate is ready to start against Jesus once again. Nketiah emphasized that he is prepared to step up and secure more first-team action, even though he believes Jesus deserves all the praise that is being showered on him.
In order to start and help the team, Nketiah
“My goal is to start and contribute to the squad, but I respect the coach’s decision,” Nketiah continued. My responsibility is to keep working hard and performing.
“We’ve only been in the season for a month, and it’s a long one. When you play for a big club there is always going to be competition, I’m not shy about that.”
“There will be a lot of opportunities for me to play, either in Europe or in the league. I am happy to be a member of a successful team. I will continue to work hard to show that I deserve more playing time.”
