Eddie Nketiah praised for body transformation that’s seen him go from the brink of Arsenal exit to leading their Premier League title charge

‘He’s on another level’ – Eddie Nketiah praised for body transformation that’s seen him go from the brink of Arsenal exit to leading their Premier League title charge

If there’s one thing Eddie Nketiah is good at, it’s proving his doubters wrong, but that doesn’t come without hard work off the pitch.

Whether it’s staying at Arsenal when he was unlikely to play much or turning down the World Cup with Ghana to keep his England dream alive, there’s been many questioning if the 23-year-old is as good as he thinks he is.

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Nketiah was feeling undervalued and looked like he may be on his way

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A new contract and shirt number has revitalised the youngster

Some were even taken aback by his decision to take Thierry Henry’s legendary No.14 shirt, but right now, Arsenal fans couldn’t wish for a better back-up striker.

With four goals in five Premier League starts, the 23-year-old has proved a more-than-adequate replacement for the injured Gabriel Jesus, keeping the league-leaders well on track.

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Jesus began the season on fire following his £50million move from Manchester City, with not only his goalscoring, but his pressing and playmaking seemingly irreplaceable.

Nketiah has fit in, though, and with two goals against Manchester United in the Gunners’ biggest win so far this season, boss Mikel Arteta is going to struggle to bench him once Jesus is back.

But it’s not like Nketiah’s form has come out of thin air, with his improvements off the pitch clear for all to see.

Four years ago the young striker had an uneventful loan at Leeds United, returning to Arsenal where his pathway to regular minutes was blocked off by both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.

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There was hope Nketiah would take off at Leeds, but it didn’t work out

Now the league leader’s striking options are Jesus and Nketiah, but that’s thanks to the latters wise decision in 2019 when his Arsenal future looked at risk.

Joining Athletic Development Club, where the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Bobby Zamora had already transformed their bodies, Nketiah did the same, with incredible results.

Changing from boy to man, the Lewisham-born attacker is ready to get rough with European football’s toughest defenders, thanks to the guidance of ADC director Chris Varnavas.

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The credit goes both ways, though, with Varnavas full of praise for Nketiah’s efforts to transform into a lean goalscoring machine.

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Nketiah’s muscle has helped him battle defenders

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And his gym coach is proud of his efforts

“One of the best athletes we’ve got on our books in terms of his attitude and commitment,” he told ESPN. “He’s just on another level.

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“His goal was to build a bit of muscle, build some strength, improving his overall athleticism so his strength, his speed, his power

“We sat down with the family, with himself, we put a plan together. 

“What we do in the gym, can we transfer it to the pitch? That’s the most important thing.

“As you saw the other day he had a good amount of strength to hold off the defender but also be agile enough to turn efficiently and score an amazing goal as well.

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Nketiah is working hard in the gym

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And on the training pitch

“I’m really happy for his progress so far and the opportunity he’s been given at the moment too and I definitely can see him staying at the highest level.”

The north London gym serves current and former Premier League stars,…