Dani Ceballos opens up on Mikel Arteta importance despite ‘unusual’ Arsenal role

Dani Ceballos has hailed the importance of Mikel Arteta despite admitting his role at Arsenal is “unusual”.

The Spaniard is on the brink of re-signing on loan from Real Madrid after impressing during his temporary stint last season.

Ceballos made 24 appearances in the Premier League last season, while he was also an important part of the side which won the FA Cup.

And it seems his manager, who he refers to as mister, has played an integral role in persuading the midfielder to return to the Emirates for the forthcoming campaign.

“The mister is living the game constantly,” Ceballos told Sky Sports.

“We know it’s a plus for us to have someone next to the pitch who can see things we can’t see at certain moments, and he can communicate with us much quicker now that there is nobody in the stadium.

“He is using me in a position which is unusual for me, as a pivot in front of the defence next to Granit (Xhaka), so I think it’s good that he is helping.

“Someone who is looking at the pitch from the outside can see all 22 players and give better advice about the best positions to be in.”

“I’ve felt very comfortable at this club from the beginning.

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“The fans accepted me very well and my team-mates made everything easy for me. I don’t regret my decision to come to Arsenal in any way.”

The Spanish midfield maestro also conceded that it took him longer than expected to adapt to the Premier League, following his initial arrival last summer.

“Spanish football is much more tactical and technical, whereas English football is a lot more physical,” he added.

“Here, the top teams – Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United – are also the most physical.

“I found it difficult to adapt to that and get used to the rhythm of the game, which was more or less what I expected because I knew the speed was going to be very high.

“But after my injury, I came back and reached a very good level. Since then, I think I’ve made a lot of progress physically as well as technically.”