He is one of the most experienced players in the squad
Mesut Özil wore the captain’s armband for Arsenal this morning as they comprehensively beat Paris Saint-Germain 5-1 in Singapore.
In the absence of Laurent Koscielny and Petr Cech, Özil and Henrikh Mkitaryan were the most experienced players in the Arsenal starting line up, and the German assumed responsibility of being captain. He led by example as he gave Arsenal the lead in the first half, slotting home a cross from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Several changes were made at half-time, with several youngsters including Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson coming off the bench for the Gunners. They outplayed an equally inexperienced PSG side and emerged victorious.
After the game, Arsenal boss Unai Emery was full of praise for his players, particularly Mesut Özil, whom he believes could become a regular captain for Arsenal.
“I think he can take the responsibility, but let’s not forget [Laurent] Koscielny who is recovering with us. Then we’ve got Petr Cech, who captained us in a friendly match,” he said.
Emery wants to select five players to share the armband this season.
“We are nearly finished, but like I am telling you, one is Koscielny but he’s injured.
“I am thinking about Petr, Aaron and Mesut. Then I need to find one or two more,” he said.
