Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised Ezri Konsa's adaptation following the defender's move from Aston Villa. The Spanish coach admitted that the newcomer has impressed him with his character and leadership qualities from day one.
When asked if he was surprised by how quickly Konsa settled into the team, Arteta stated:
It truly deserves admiration because it doesn’t come easily and shouldn’t be taken for granted.
But after speaking with many people who have worked with him—from club staff to players—I already understood what type of person he is. Everyone spoke of him as someone who can bring people together, possesses a strong character, and displays notable leadership qualities.
This was evident from the very first training session: the way he spoke, carried himself, and showed up. It was very impressive. So far, he is doing excellently.
The manager also emphasized the importance of having a core of English players at Arsenal. With the upcoming international break, several Gunners could earn calls up to the England squad:
This is very important—not just for the team, but for the coaching staff and the whole club. We need to maintain this culture and roots so they remain closely tied to our identity and values.
However, he refrained from discussing the potential call-ups of multiple Arsenal players to the national team just yet:
Let's see what decision Thomas Tuchel makes first, and then we can talk about it.
