Oxlade-Chamberlain reveals how Arteta showed managerial qualities as Arsenal player

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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has provided fascinating insight into Mikel Arteta’s natural leadership qualities during their time as Arsenal teammates, revealing how the current Gunners boss was already displaying managerial instincts long before hanging up his boots.

The former Liverpool midfielder, who spent several seasons alongside Arteta in north London, believes the Spaniard’s tactical acumen and leadership skills were evident even as a player – making his subsequent rise as a manager less surprising.

Taking Initiative Under Wenger

According to The Sun, Oxlade-Chamberlain recalled how Arteta took it upon himself to improve Arsenal’s tactical preparation during Arsene Wenger’s era, filling gaps in the team’s analysis of opponents.

“He [Arteta] started analysis meetings for us because Arsene comes from a different generation. It was all about us, and if we take care of what we’re meant to take care of, we should win,” Oxlade-Chamberlain explained.

The England international highlighted how Arteta became the go-to figure for tactical discussions, particularly ahead of crucial fixtures against top opposition.

“But when it got to the point where you’re playing you boys [Man City] or we have a big game, Mikel was our boss. We want to know what they’re doing from a corner. We didn’t really do that.”

Bridging Generational Approaches

Oxlade-Chamberlain’s comments shed light on the evolution of football’s tactical landscape, with Arteta serving as a bridge between Wenger’s philosophy and modern detailed analysis.

“So Mikel sort of forced that in as a player that we started watching the opposition more, whoever it was we wanted to know. Because before we just see it on the paper, on the board and the boss [Wenger] would just start drawing lines.”

This initiative demonstrated Arteta’s forward-thinking approach and willingness to challenge established methods – qualities that have served him well in his managerial career.

The pair’s time together at Arsenal came to an end when Arteta retired and Oxlade-Chamberlain moved to Liverpool, where he went on to win multiple trophies including the Premier League and Champions League.

Now established as one of the Premier League’s most promising managers, Arteta’s progression from influential player to tactical innovator appears a natural evolution. With Arsenal competing at the highest level under his guidance, there is growing optimism that he can deliver the major honours that eluded him as a player at the Emirates Stadium.