Arsenal Lobby

His own backstory will provide an interesting reference point when it comes to dealing with youngsters. Mertesacker was a late developer on the pitch and before breaking into the first-team at Hannover spent 12 months working in an institute for the mentally ill – an experience he describes as “something to put things into perspective”. Asked whether today’s generation of young players could benefit from a more rounded approach to life, Mertesacker replies: “Whatever is needed to make them as strong as possible when they face adversity, that’s basically the target.

“How can we make them as resilient as possible in situations when they get released or in the best possible position for themselves, like when they go first-team training. How can we get them in the best possible position where they feel good about a Plan B. I want players to think: ‘OK, this has happened now, what is next for me?’ That’s a very big target because what are academies about nowadays? Is it really just to find one or two players? But what happened to the others? I’m very, very interested in that.

“Are those released strong enough to still be in a position where they think: ‘I’m not being a footballer, but I’ve got interests in that and that.’ I think the focus is pretty much on football, football football. And I know that is the priority. And it’s a lot of money involved. But still, how many percent really make it throughout the system? There has to always be a Plan B, I feel. That’s why I kept going with my school – I wasn’t talented. That’s what’s the difficulty – you want to define key talents when they are 12, 13 or 14? When I was that age I was nowhere near. People had given up on me.”

Dolphins RB Jay Ajayi, born in London, met his childhood hero, Thierry Henry, before today's game. (via @NFLUK)pic.twitter.com/bDcDeAQJzF

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) October 1, 2017