Mikel Arteta: I have never seen Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang transmit this level of leadership

Mikel Arteta has hailed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for his fine form and believes the Arsenal captain is leading the side better than he ever has.

Aubameyang suffered a difficult season last year, but he has found his feet again this term and has scored seven goals in nine games so far.

The forward’s latest goal came during Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa on Friday, however Arteta believes there is a lot more to Aubameyang’s game than just finding the net.

The Spaniard says he has seen the 32-year-old’s game “click” and hailed the way he has led this young Gunners side.

“I wouldn’t go to the goals, again it is what Auba is transmitting on the pitch. I have never seen Auba transmit what he is doing now,” said Arteta.

“Apart from the goals, the celebration when they put the ball in the net, do you see the way he runs, the purpose he has to press the ball, and when he takes it his movement, his link, how is leading the game? That is when he is changing the rest, not when he is static and then he puts the ball in the net. I prefer this Auba.

“For me it is a click. It is a combination that realising that his role has to go well beyond that.

“What was good, or very good, two or three years ago, with his role in this team, at this club, it is not enough. He had to take a step forward.”

Arteta praised Alexandre Lacazette in a similar fashion to Aubameyang, singling out his attitude and work ethic.

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Lacazette has largely had to settle for appearances off the bench this season, but he has worked his way back into the team and was impressive during the win over Aston Villa.

“I would say the same with Laca, look what he is transmitting, not just doing or playing, what he is transmitting. For me that is really, really important,” Arteta added.

“That is where I’m going, they lead by example and not only there but as well at the training ground.

“Certain things, a role they could have had three years ago in the squad, now it has changed.

“Human beings change themselves every six months, they have all new selves, and it’s incredible so we are able to adapt very quickly and manipulate and change our minds very quickly as well.

“They are doing that for the benefit of the club, but for sure for the benefit of themselves.”

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