Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs believes that there is much more to come from him and says that a greater understanding of his body has helped him stay fit for longer this season.
The 24 year old struggled with injuries and inconsistent performances during the early part of his career but has made rapid strides in the past few seasons.
The England international suggests that he is happy with the consistency of his performances so far and believes he can continue to improve.
Speaking to the Arsenal official website, he said:
I still feel there’s more to come from me. But I’m happy with my form over the year. Since I came back from injury I feel like I’ve performed and set a standard. I want to keep that going, I feel it’s important to stay fit and keep doing that.
I’ve put a lot of work in off the pitch which is helping me – I’ve only realised in the last year or 18 months how important that is. I just know my body better so it’s easier for me to stay fit and recover for the amount of games we play.
Gibbs who faces a stiff competition from Monreal for a starting spot heaped praise on the Spanish international and feels competition makes him better. He added:
He’s a top-class player. He plays for his national team so I’m aware of his qualities and the more that he puts me under pressure, it makes me perform.
I know that he’s there and ready to step in. There’s competition all over the pitch, there’s competition everywhere in football and in life. I think the most important thing is to enjoy that, as long as it helps the Club then we’re both happy.
Gibbs has had an excellent season so far and is proving to be an excellent footballer at both ends of the pitch. He has now matured in to an excellent left-back, improving his defensive stability quite drastically over the past two seasons. Crucially, he remains capable of making telling contributions at the attacking end.
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His superb form this season is keeping Spanish international Nacho Monreal firmly on the substitute’s bench which in itself is a major achievement. When Arsenal signed Monreal from Malaga on the final day of the January window, it seemed like a sensible signing as he arrived and went straight in to the team and was first choice while Gibbs remained injured.
One would have expected that pattern to continue this season. However, after Monreal missed the opening few games of the season with a back problem, Gibbs seized the initiative in style by starting every Premier League game this season. He has responded to competition in the best way imaginable by spurring himself on to produce improved performances. The fans will be hoping he will continue to do so for years to come.
Have you been impressed with Gibb’s performances so far this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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