Arsenal U21 captain Matt Smith says he appreciates the coaching of manager Mehmet Ali.

Smith was named U21 captain by Ali this season.

He told arsenal.com: "I think this season has been really good for me so far. I'm enjoying the senior role I've been given with the under-21s and the responsibility of being captain of the group. Having been out on three loans so far in my career, I can definitely help the lads in the team to let the know how it's going to be a bit later in their career and give them little tips here and there.

"Working under Mehmet Ali has been really good. He has been helpful for me tactically, but also really good for me in terms of pushing me to keep my standards high and keep me on track every day. I've been lucky enough to be training with the first team most days, but for a player in my position, who has been out on loan a few times and been around that first-team environment, to then being back in an academy set-up can sometimes be difficult, but Mehmet demands a lot from me and knows how to get the best out of me, so I think we have a good relationship.

"By Mehmet giving me that responsibility this season, I think it says a lot. I know that I have to set a good example to the other boys in the team and be a good role model.

"It's funny, because Mehmet and I didn't really have a conversation at the start of the season where he let me know I would be captain. I wore the armband for one pre-season game and then I think once he knew which players he would have for the season after the transfer window shut, I was just the captain from that point forward!"