Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta
Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta played a big role in the Gunners’ season after joining from Everton in August 2011.
Arsenal beat the transfer deadline by a matter of hours to secure the schemer’s signature, and it proved a shrewd deal as his attitude and consistency proved hugely beneficial both on and off the pitch.
Mikel Arteta Profile | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 26, 1982 San Sebastian, Spain |
| Position: | Midfielder |
| Squad Number: | 8 |
| Previous Club(s) | Everton, Real Sociedad, Rangers, PSG (loan), Barcelona |
A highly-creative player, much of his best early work actually involved improving the defensive balance of the team’s midfield, covering for his team-mates’ runs forward and using the ball intelligently.
Mikel made some decisive contributions further forward, though - a brilliant late winner against Manchester City was a highlight, as was his scorching free-kick in the victory over Aston Villa. His reliability was missed during a three-week absence in January, as well as the final month of the season after he picked up an injury against Wigan.
Mikel’s name was a familiar one to Premier League followers before he arrived at Emirates Stadium. He represented Everton with distinction for six-and-a-half years, making 209 appearances and scoring 35 goals, and was named the Toffees’ Player of the Year three times. Prior to that, he represented Real Sociedad and Rangers - winning all three major domestic trophies in Scotland.
The Basque midfielder began his career in Catalonia with Barcelona, but made his breakthrough into senior football with a loan spell at Paris St-Germain in 2000.
