Mikel Arteta, the current Arsenal manager, enjoyed a solid career as a midfielder before turning to coaching.
Having come through Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy, he moved on to PSG in France before spells at Rangers, Everton, and finally Arsenal.
Arteta played across all three midfield roles during his career. But these days, he says he’d rather be playing up front than in the middle of the park.
Arteta thinks he’d only fit as a striker in today’s Arsenal lineup
Most kids who end up playing professionally start out wanting to be strikers. Growing up, William Saliba scored plenty of goals from that position, and many others in the squad have said they dreamed of leading the line too.
Mikel Arteta might have begun his youth career as a forward, but it was in midfield where he made his mark.
He was comfortable on the ball, had excellent passing range and vision, and chipped in with goals as well. During his time in England’s top flight, he even managed to score some impressive long-range strikes.
During Tuesday’s press conference, Arteta was asked how the game has changed over the years and whether he could still make it at this level.
He responded by saying: “Me? As a nine, only as a nine!”
Mikel Arteta Said Something Very Different About Playing as a Striker Last Year
Mikel Arteta has never lacked confidence, but he’s also been known for his honesty.
Back in 2025, when Arsenal were dealing with a long list of injuries and had no fit strikers left, a reporter decided to have a bit of fun during a press conference.
Referring to an old highlight from his playing days, the journalist said: “When I saw that goal, you took it down beautifully, 20 yards out, you hit it with your right foot, and there was no chance for Pepe Reina”.
“It looks like you might have an answer to your striker problems?”
Arteta responded with a laugh: “I think we will be in big trouble, my friend.”
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