Rooney gives Arteta verdict and names 'key' factor in Arsenal boss' coaching
Wayne Rooney says that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is an inspiration to him in his budding managerial career.
The Manchester United and England legend, now managing in the United States with D.C. United, will face Arsenal in a pre-season friendly on Thursday as he takes of the MLS All-Stars. Kicking off at 1:30am UK time, Rooney has the opportunity to test his managerial metal against Arteta, who's only 41 but has been in charge of the Gunners for nearly four years.
"He's done incredible really," the former United striker told a pre-match press conference. "As a young coach it's great to see. Of course coaches have their own ways and their own styles and their own identities.
"And he's been fantastic, and I'm sure working with [Pep] Guardiola helped him massively as well. He's someone who, that's where you want to get to as a young coach - into the top teams and obviously being in the Premier League."
Rooney, 37, added on the Gunners as a whole: "I thought they had a fantastic season. It was a huge step and the signings they've made have been huge to kick on and challenge City. I think Liverpool, Chelsea and hopefully Man United will be better. Arsenal have made some great signings and they'll compete again."
Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured
Looking ahead to Thursday morning's clash, the D.C. United boss is likely to get the opportunity to see new Arsenal signing Declan Rice make his first appearance since leaving West Ham. After midfield general Rice officially became a Gunner last Saturday, Rooney reckons that he could be a future captain for Arteta.
Have your say! Will Mikel Arteta eventually lead Arsenal to the title? Give us your prediction in the comments section.
Wayne Rooney says that Mikel Arteta is an inspiration to him (BASTIEN INZAURRALDE/AFP via Getty Images)"I think he's a huge signing for Arsenal," the ex-England hero affirmed. "He's a fantastic player with a great mentality and young. Arsenal have got a player at the top of his game and I think he'll bring a great character in the dressing room.
"He could be captain of Arsenal. He's a player who Arsenal needed and they've certainly got a top player."
The 24-year-old is set to become the linchpin of Arteta's new-look midfield, with Kai Havertz also joining from Chelsea last month to play alongside current skipper Martin Odegaard as part of a trio. There had been fears that Rice wouldn't be fit to feature in the friendly after being spotted sitting out some training exercises, but Arteta has allayed them.
"I just wanted to manage him," the Gunners manager explained. "A lot has happened to him in the last five or six days. We have a very hectic schedule. He had a few training sessions and he was really good but prior to that he didn't do much. So we just wanted to manage him. He trained today with us. He was in good form and, yeah, he's fine."
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