Former Arsenal scout Yousuf Sajjad has spoken about the work done behind the scenes by head of the Gunners’ academy and former captain Per Mertesacker.
The German former defender has been a revelation for the Gunners in his present role.
Sajjad started at Arsenal in November 2019 and has a lot of time for Mertesacker.
Speaking to The Athletic, Sajjad said: “I hadn’t been brought in by Per, so I just asked for an hour of his time to explain my background, what I’d achieved, and what I wanted to do at the club.
“It was nerve-racking because I was almost presenting ‘The Arsenal Philosophy’ to someone who’s captained the club — it was daunting!
‘But his reaction was really positive. Getting good feedback from someone like that was really special.”
He continued: “The biggest thing about Per is he brings everyone together.
“That togetherness is prevalent throughout the whole academy. And it’s infectious.”