Mohamed Elneny says he’ll play whenever and wherever for Arsene Wenger stressing that squad rotation and being able to adapt to new positions are key in the modern game.
So far this season the 24-year-old has been partnered in midfield with Santi Cazorla, Aaron Ramsey, Granit Xhaka and Francis Coquelin, familiarising himself with their different styles while also trying to establish himself as a regular.
Reflecting on the situation, the Egypt international spoke passionately about how ‘honest’ competition is driving him to the next level.
“I honestly love the competition for places because it helps me improve as a player on a personal level,” he told the official matchday programme ahead of Arsenal’s showdown with Stoke.
“When you look at the players who compete for these places, you see they are all big names and very good players. This motivates me to fight to be number one in that position.
“This is an honest competition and all players fight for places in the first team. This applies to me also, especially when you play for a big club like Arsenal. I want to do my best to be in the starting line-up and fight for my place.”
The Egypt international has made more appearances off the bench than starts so far this season but he insists that his only worry is not letting down his manager when selected.
“I don’t have a problem if I start or not. I’m always focused and ready to play, I listen to the manager and I do my best during training. Whether I play or not is up to the boss but I am always focused and ready to play. I don’t want to disappoint when I am selected to play.
“We’re professional players and it doesn’t matter who you play alongside. You can’t say I don’t know how to play with a certain player, for example. We can adapt to who we are playing alongside. We are all competition to be in the team and we have to make use of the opportunities when they come.
“I don’t really have any preference [positionally]. It all depends on what the boss asks me to do, so I can’t complain really. I do whatever he wants me to. I will not say not or not do something he wants me to do. I can play in any position in the middle of the pitch, and I think that’s one of the things that I’m good at. I can defend, run box-to-box and play in a more attacking role.”
He added: “I’m very happy to play for Arsenal. I think I’m very lucky not only to be at this club but also because everyone here is so nice and we are like a big family. I never felt like I was a newcomer. It feels like I have been here among the players for a long time.
“On the pitch, I think I’m doing well and I always try to improve. I’m happy to be part of the team and I think people around me including the fans can see I’m improving. I think the past 11 months have been the best of my life and hopefully I will keep getting better and achieve big things with Arsenal.”
[Insert clip of the emperor going “gooooooood” when Anakin Skywalker says the same thing to him].
I need this sort of commitment from my girl.
Surprisingly me too ?
You mean she’ll do whatever Wenger asks?
The like number was at 169, so I won’t change it. You/she may get inspired by the number, but I like your comment. Just tryna help.
That’s really awesome, good lad : )
Love Elneny, such a professional and seems like a genuinely humble guy. We need more players with the same attitude as Mo and Gibbo
What a good guy
Good attitude to have. Instead of sulking because a few months after he was brought in we brought in a similar player in Xhaka.
Instead he sounds like he has got his head down and is putting in the effort in training to impress the man in charge.
Really like the guy and think he can have a good career with us.
Good stuff all round.
***Arsene unzips fly***
“Anything, you say?”
In the context of a massive scandal about the rampant abuse of power for sexual favours in the footballing community, making a joke like this is pretty low.
There are other ways to fish for likes other than trivialising sexual abuse.
How can you be sure he isn’t referring to the shellsuit-wearing fly that Arsene keeps in his breast pocket? Sure, it’s a little weird to derobe a fly, but it’s no scandal.
Arsene likes playing with his zippers
Oh get off your fucking moral high-horse you peacock. The context of this article has nothing to do with any sex-scandal so why even bring that up? It was a dumb joke, like it or don’t but stop with the holier than though bullshit please.
Sorry dad.
Because saying one adult is gonna suck off another adult is the same as the institutionalised abuse of children by predatory peadophiles.
Bloody hell mate… Chill out!
6 sick fucks at the moment and counting
It’s disappointing that the Arsecast made this kind of comment in any way acceptable. I enjoy the show, but it’s had its low points.
It’s joke, if it upsets you so much, maybe you should kill yourself?
The zipper gag was just a bad joke. Telling someone to kill them self is sickening. I for one am happy to still be alive to see this game. Good player. Great addition to the squad. Says the right things. Warms up in huge coat.
Again, why so overly dramatic? Telling someone to kill themelves is really SICKENING to you? You know what sickens me? Oppression, sensless murder and violence, people starving to death, freak tragedies, you know, things that actually have an impact on peoples lives. Jokes made about someone sucking someones dick or this or that guy being a cunt or twat don’t fall into that category. Save your outrage for things that matter buddy, it’s not like there isn’t already enough of those anyway.
As I said, the zipper joke was just a bad joke. Not offensive to me. I hope you are never impacted by suicide. Hope you are having a good Sunday.
Love the attitute and ethic. IMO his passing is too safe and conservative. Up 1-nil in 2nd half, i understand, but as a starter, he fails to pass with purpose sometimes. He could also do with a sandwich and 5-10 lbs of muscle. I dont think ive seen him win a shoulder to shoulder challenge
Good lad, can hardly ask for a more positive response, especially from a player who doesn’t play every week.
Ramsey could learn a few things from Elneny
Let’s hope some of this attitude rubs off on Ozil and Sanchez and they realise this is the family they need to stay with.
And I will do anything for Wenger, but I won’t do that…
Hey! no Meatloaf references! The rules and regulations are clear on this point!
That is a fantastic attitude. Reminds me a little of (and I know it’s a cliche to refer back to this era) the invincible era when we had the ability to call on any one of Vieira, Edu, Gilberto Silva, or Ray Parlour to man the twin CM slots. With Fabregas, Bentley, Skulason as fringe youngsters. El Neny reminds me a bit of Edu. Tireless, brilliant attitude and work ethic, contribution usually unnoticed, can work with any other midfield partner.. Both have a bit of a shot on them too but rein those attacking instincts in for the benefit of… Read more »
Great attitude and a Parlour-esq engine!
Mo is a decent player. We need all the players in the winter period especially.
Shame he’ll be at the ACN for some of it.
Could work both ways. Having some quality game time for the run in is nice.
Love this guy. Not a great player, but gives his maximum.
Speaks volumes that we had players worse than elneny starting for us in the early Emirates years.
Very good guy with a down to earth attitude. I want to see him make it at Arsenal.
Underrated because he’s not a flash cunt
Elneny is overrated.
He is an improving player with potential and he is a hard worker but so many comments about him better than Flamini were way off.
At present, Granit and Coquelin are better choices . Elneny is a good squad player. That said, he is making a case for himself and will be pushing Ramsey for a spot (although clearly the Welshman is more offensive of a weapon)
From an Egyptian, I can tell you that Mohamed’s attitude is akin to why Egypt have won the African Cup of Nations more than any other country and why Chilie are now doing it in South America. They understand the value of team play, of working for each other of hard work and full commitment to their manager and to training. Above all of being humble. Egypt have never had what some would call world class players but statistically they are the best in Africa. Bringing this attitude to Arsenal will undoubtedly help us in so many more ways than… Read more »