David Moyes was responsible for giving Mikel Arteta his first chance in the Premier League when the Scotsman was Everton’s coach.

In his first season under Moyes, Spaniard became the ideal replacement for Danish midfielder Thomas Gravesen and became an important piece in Everton’s qualification for the UEFA Champions League, playing 13 games in that half-season and scoring 1 goal.

Moyes picked Arteta for over 209 games during their time together on Merseyside.

When asked how he feels about one of his mentors, Mikel was effusive in his praise of him.

“It’s more than respect, I think it’s admiration,” he revealed. “I loved playing under him. I would have gone through a brick wall for him when he was my manager, as everybody would in that squad.

“[He’s] a really good coach, exceptional at managing the group and dealing with individuals, and he’s a very special person, very trustworthy, and a man who honors his word from him. He always did it, and he’s someone I learned a lot from.

“He asked me to play in positions that I’ve never played in my life. The way he challenged me, but at the same time the way he gave me support, love, and care – it was the right balance, and it’s what I needed, and he got the best out of me. So, he was really, really helpful.”

The situation between the two has changed, and now they have become rivals, with Arteta leading the Gunners and Moyes at West Ham, respectively.

Moyes has led the Hammers to be a highly competitive team in the 2020-21 Premier League, breaking the record for points obtained during a season in the club’s history with 65 and getting 6th position in the table.