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‘I don’t mind’: ‘Excellent’ Arsenal midfielder insists he can play as a striker, he idolises Ronaldo
Arsenal teenager Marcelo Flores says he can play as a striker for Mikel Arteta’s side, such is his versatility.
by the club’s under-23s boss Kevin Betsy, the midfielder has also previously said he idolises Manchester United icon Cristiano Ronaldo.
In an interview with the , Flores has run through the positions he says he can play for the team.
Arsenal of course need firepower this summer, with Alexandre Lacazette departing and the club in the market for new frontmen.
Flores says he can play as a striker for Arsenal
He said: “I prefer playing in a number ten/left-wing position in more of a free role. I like getting the ball to feet, being isolated on the wing and beating a man so I can get in one-v-one opportunities to score goals.
“I’m quite a flexible player, I don’t mind playing as a number nine or on either wing, even as a number eight and I’ve always been an energetic person so I like pressing a lot.
“I was trying to develop my dribbling and driving with the ball a lot. Finishing at top speed is a big thing and I constantly try and improve off both feet.
“There’s a lot of video analysis after sessions, sitting down with coaches who tell me what I can do better. Also, training at Arsenal and away from Arsenal to try and perfect it.”
It seems unlikely Flores will be the answer up front for Arsenal next season, but if he makes progress and impresses in pre-season, he could be another option.
Young players know they need to be versatile and adaptable to get into the team.
They may not always get in in the exact position they would choose but if a spot comes up in a role they can play, they have to grab the chance with both hands.