Arsenal FC: Classy Mikel Arteta Deserves an International Call-Up

The assured performances of Mikel Arteta have been one of the main factors behind Arsenal's turnaround this season.

How long can the Spanish national team ignore a player performing at such a high level? He may face stiff competition, but Arteta's performances warrant a senior Spanish cap.

The former Everton star has seamlessly slotted into Arsene Wenger's fluid footballing structure and is quickly becoming an essential member of the Gunners' starting 11.

Arteta collected his third goal in Arsenal colours at Wigan on Saturday, beating Ali Al Habsi with a well-placed strike.

The Spaniard was Arsenal's best player. He kept the possession ticking over and ensured that Arsenal's flowing passing style was back to something near its best.

Arteta has added some much-needed composure to Arsenal's midfield ranks. He exudes calmness and assurance when on the ball.

Technically sound and efficient, he rarely wastes possession. It is no coincidence that the Gunners' defensive frailties have been eased since Arteta came into the side.

With the former Barcelona academy graduate's confident and effective passing leading the way, Arsenal are better able to retain possession for longer.

This has helped to avoid many of the costly errors that have gifted the opposition so many goals in the past.

Some of Arteta's finest qualities have been revealed in the less glamorous parts of his game. He often plays deeper than this author would have expected when he first signed.

He has been more active and energetic than many might have given him credit for, and he continues to pleasantly surprise with his willingness and tenacity in the tackle.

Arteta's box-to-box temperament has brought a welcome change to an Arsenal midfield too long populated by players who only fit either an attacking or defensive role.

Arteta's positional discipline, awareness and patience has allowed Aaron Ramsey to move farther forward and occupy a more natural role, just behind the forwards.

This has quickened Ramsey's development and helped him return to the kind of form which had so many Arsenal fans buzzing prior to his lengthy injury layoff.

Now that he has been joined by another player he can trust to sit deep, Alex Song has been able to venture forward and showcase his underrated attacking prowess.

Arteta's presence has made Arsenal's midfield trio more versatile and interchangeable, which has solidified both collective defending and attacking.

He has become so important that when he has an off-game, as he did against Fulham, Arsenal struggle to create scoring opportunities and carry the fight to the opposition.

Arteta's play since arriving at Arsenal demands long overdue international recognition. Nobody disputes that the Spanish national team is blessed with an abundance of creative midfield talent.

But the Gunners schemer is currently playing at a level approaching the very best that his country has to offer.

He is versatile enough to occupy a deep-lying, defensive shield role or act as an advanced creative fulcrum.

Arteta is certain to be a pivotal figure during the remainder of Arsenal's season. His cultured, inventive play could be the catalyst to finally end the quest for silverware. If so, then international opportunities must surely follow.