Across the 2021/22 campaign, Arsenal stood out drastically from the other 19 Premier League clubs when it came to the average age of their starting XI.
Mikel Arteta made a habit of naming youthful line-ups and, remarkably, the side which took on Burnley in January had an average age of less than 24, becoming the youngest XI seen in the English top flight last season. Throughout his time in the Emirates dugout, Arteta has placed his trust in the likes of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, among others, to take on increasing levels of responsibility.
This was evidenced as he handed 23-year-old Odegaard the captain's armband this season, and the Gunners boss has made the wise decision to put a leadership group in place to support the fresh-faced Norwegian playmaker.
Granit Xhaka, a battle-hardened midfielder and former skipper, and Gabriel Jesus, who is able to communicate naturally with Arsenal's Portuguese-speaking contingent, were nominated for the roles in August. The duo have excelled since taking on their added duties and have been two of the North London club's standout performers during the opening stages of the season.
As the hectic autumn schedule hits home, the onus will be on Arsenal's seasoned players to step up in a squad filled with players at the start of their careers. Arteta has named two of the five youngest starting XIs seen in the Premier League this term - while also making Ethan Nwaneri the division's youngest-ever player - and the Spaniard can also call on two more experienced hands to help guide his youngsters.
After last Sunday's impressive 3-1 victory over Brentford, Xhaka told reporters how he has been working towards his UEFA B coaching license by taking charge of Under-16 sessions at Arsenal's London Colney base.
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Footage has emerged showing the Swiss, 29, is not alone in his efforts, as Cedric, 31, and Mohamed Elneny, 30, are also working alongside the Gunners' exciting prospects. Unlike Xhaka, neither Cedric nor Elneny are members of Arteta's first-choice XI, and the majority of their starts are likely to come in cup competitions this season.
However, that should not count against them as they take the early steps in their coaching careers. After all, it takes admirable discipline to dedicate time towards achieving the badges while continuing to take part in a full-on first-team training programme.
With an established leadership group already formed which Odegaard can look to, Arteta will be delighted there are other knowledgable figures at his disposal who can help to keep Arsenal level-headed after what has undoubtedly been a brilliant start to the season.
