Arsenal’s Nketiah: Jesus competition has made me better

Eddie Nketiah believes his “friendly competition” with Arsenal team-mate Gabriel Jesus has made him a better participant after receiving his first England call-up.

Since Jesus joined the Gunners from Manchester City in a £45 million deal final summer season, Nketiah has needed to watch for his alternatives to guide Arsenal’s assault.

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He proved himself a worthy understudy final season when filling in for greater than three months after Jesus suffered a critical knee harm enjoying for Brazil on the Qatar World Cup and began this season in promising fashion, netting in opposition to Nottingham Forest and Fulham.

England boss Gareth Southgate rewarded Nketiah with a spot in his 26-man squad for upcoming matches away to Ukraine and Scotland, forward of which the 24-year-old addressed his relationship with Jesus at St George’s Park on Tuesday.

“He is a fantastic player and a great guy off the pitch,” Nketiah stated of Jesus. “We get on really well. It’s nice to be competing with someone of that standard.

“It’s solely going to do issues for me and we each know we wish to do the identical factor, which is assist the staff, contribute and rating targets. Naturally we push one another in coaching, we push one another in video games.

“It’s healthy and friendly competition. We know that sometimes we’re going to play together, sometimes I might play, sometimes he might play. We have that good relationship where we always support each other. We all want the same thing which is to help Arsenal. I’m sure hopefully it will be a great season for both of us.”

Nketiah additionally revealed he plans to hunt recommendation from Harry Kane — and admitted that activity is easier after the England captain left north London rivals Tottenham for Bayern Munich in the summertime.

“He is a world class striker,” added Nketiah. “Today was my first session so I’m sure I’ll be in his ear all week — getting tips and learning, I think that’s another great opportunity to come away, learn and improve yourself and see what other top strikers do, how they prepare for games.

“I believe it makes the dialog a little bit bit simpler, clearly, now that he has made the transfer over however he is a implausible participant, and I want him all the most effective in his subsequent chapter.”