Aubameyang reveals what he really thinks about his Arsenal position

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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang claims he is happy to play in any role for Arsenal – but admits “everyone knows” he has a preferred position.

Aubameyang has mainly featured as a left winger for Arsenal this season, despite having a prolific record as a centre-forward.

The Arsenal captain may not have been expecting to play out wide on such a regular basis before committing his future to the club this summer, but it is a role he has had to fill.

So far, he has only scored two goals from nine Premier League games this season. His last goal came at the beginning of November.

Aubameyang got a chance to play centrally in his most recent outing against Leeds, but could not mark it with a goal. Hence, he could return to the left-hand side next time he plays.

While he prefers his natural centre-forward position, though, Aubameyang insists he does not have a problem playing wherever Mikel Arteta wants him.

“I play everywhere, I don’t mind really, I really don’t mind,” Aubameyang told Arsenal’s matchday programme.

“Everyone knows where I prefer to play but this doesn’t matter because I prefer to have many options than just one.

“I want to help and I want to learn as well. Because you learn every day even if you are young or maybe older, but I’m still learning and I feel good everywhere.”

 

Aubameyang highlights differences between roles

Even though he is happy to feature on the wing, Aubameyang admits he has a lot to learn in the position.

Detailing what is different between the two positions he has played in this season, he said: “[You learn because] your movements are different if you play, for example, on the left. You have to play sometimes more in the pocket to try to connect with the midfield players.

“And it’s maybe different with the striker position, as a No 9. It’s completely different, sometimes you have to be wide, but when you are a striker you are more central and it’s really different.

“But I’ve learnt a lot of things since I’ve been playing on the left side. It gives me opportunities because a lot of defences are attracted by the No 9.

“Laca [Alexandre Lacazette] and Eddie [Nketiah] are doing a great job and so they leave space for us sometimes to come and run in behind the defence. So of course it’s helped me and I’m still learning as a left winger.”

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