Arsenal defender Rob Holding is hoping to earn himself England call-up soon after breaking into Arsenal side and showcasing his most consistent performance under the Gunners badge.
Holding has been bulwark for Arsenal under the new boss Unai Emery, making twelve appearances so far this season.
“I think this is my best run in an Arsenal shirt,” Holding told Sky Sports.
“Consistency-wise, it’s been 12 games consistently playing to a good level, not playing because someone is injured but on merit. That gives you more confidence.
“Gareth Southgate has brought a refreshed feeling to England with a lot of young lads. If you’re playing well in the Premier League week in, week out, as we saw with Callum Wilson and Lewis Dunk, you’re going to get chances.
“You want to be a part of what they are creating at the moment. Obviously what they did at the World Cup and there is the Euros in over a year’s time. It’s a great time to be involved with England so why wouldn’t you want to be.”
Rob Holding’s tract of performances have been synchronized with Arsenal’s 16-game unbeaten run in all competitions. The Gunners are three points off the Top Four in the Premier League, and Rob Holding believes top-four finish complemented by silverware would constitute a successful season.
“We’ve had a great start, we want to conquer that top four and get ourselves back in there as soon as we can,” he added.
“That’s the main aim.
“In the cup competitions we want to maintain our place in the Europa League and we’re on a good run in the Carabao Cup and have a good game against Spurs coming up.
“We’ll see if we can finish with some trophies. Top four with some trophies would be a very successful season.”
Rob Holding had been in and out of the team under former boss Arsene Wenger, with many wanting him to be sent out on loan instead of Calum Chambers – but the Englishman has enjoyed a complete revival under Wenger’s successor, Unai Emery.
CAN ROB HOLDING BE CALLED UP FOR ENGLAND BEFORE THE SEASON ENDS?
Asked the difference between the two managers, Holding said: “Wenger was very good for me as a manager and what he did for me. He encouraged me to play out from the back, showed me how to and gave me confidence.
“The main difference is how we’re defending when we’re attacking. When we’re up the other end of the pitch, how we are organised and prepared for a counter. That has been the biggest difference.
“We’re really focusing on video work, moving as little as five yards in some positions which makes all the difference when getting to the ball.
“When we were playing we would be stood there and no one would be talking to each other, whereas now there is much more communication.
“We seem a bit more organised and a bit more together at the back.”
