Mikel Merino believes we have an amazing squad in every position and that the team is full confidence as we head into our clash against Atletico Madrid.
Our Spanish midfielder has featured in 10 of our 11 matches so far this campaign, providing a crucial goal in the comeback win against Newcastle United in September.
Merino knows the competition for places within Mikel Arteta's starting line-up couldn't be higher, but our number 23 is keen to make an impact evdery time he steps out onto the pitch.
He said: "We have an amazing squad in every single position. We have top players and in the midfield, it's exactly the same.
"It's tough to select who's going to play for the coach because he has quality all over the squad and whenever I'm not starting or whenever I'm starting, the mentality has to be the same, try to help the team, impact in the way you can, not only with goals or assists, but also defensive rate, tying to be in the right spots for your teammates to be free sometimes.
"The mentality as a whole is not to try to be the main character in the play, but to play your role, even if that is coming from the bench, to try to do it the best way possible and try to help the team achieve the most important thing, which is to win.
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"It's been an amazing start of the season for us. I think there's always a lot of expectations on how the season starts but to be honest the most important thing is how it ends. It's good that we are in a good momentum now.
"The team is full of confidence and we are in a good streak at the minute but obviously this is a long journey and the good thing is we are mentally ready to approach it and give the best of us."
One of the key reasons to our impressive start to the season has been our defensive solidity, conceding just three goals across all competitions.
Asked about the secrets to our defensive solidity so far, Mikel said: "First of all, it has to be from inside, you have to love to defend, you have to love to not concede goals. Sometimes, everyone, maybe in different teams, the main focus is to score, maybe to make a beautiful pass and to enjoy the little highlights.
"But to be honest, if you want to be a champion, you need to be an all-around team. If you can keep a clean sheet, the chances of you winning the game are massive. Then having such good quality players like we have and the mentality we all have as a team is crucial.
"Then it comes to training, it comes to everyone knowing his role, what he has to do, depending on who's attacking you. It's a work that has to be done by everyone."
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