Do Not Sell My Personal Information
By Aaron Caple
Arsene Wenger is known throughout the world as a man who believes in his players.
No matter what, he supports most of his squad, day in and day out be it Henry scoring a solo goal against Tottenham or Pascal Cygan attempting to defend.
Even more so, he is known for his faith in youth and upcoming stars. Seen most recently in Coquelin who, even though he has come on in age at 24, has been with the club since a young age in 2008.
After various loan appearances, Arsene Wenger put his faith in the Frenchman after calling him back off loan from Charlton making an immediate impact by cementing himself in the first team.
Some consider Gedion Zelalem to be the next breakout star from the Arsenal youth system. At 18 years of age, he has already been part of a range of German international squads before officially becoming a U.S. citizen.
Since 2013, Zelalem has been on the fringes of the first team having taken part in various pre-season tours, fixtures as well as appearing in the FA cup as a substitute verses Coventry.
Currently on loan in Scotland with Rangers, the Arsenal man made an impact straight away by producing two assists in a 5-0 victory over Airdrieonians.
With an already congested midfield at Arsenal and still questions about what is our strongest formation, where does the youngster fit in and how can he make a name for himself?
There is no doubt that Zelalem has a prosperous future and hopefully one with Arsenal. Experience in the Scotland will no doubt improve his career if he plays regularly.
Being in a very physical league will aid in developing him into a strong midfielder, something we need. Originally being compared to the likes of Viera early on but now more so towards the Fabregas style of play, Zelalem needs to begin to solidify a position within a midfield so we can see what he truly offers.
The current Arsenal squad positions Coquelin as a holding midfielder in front of the back four. This is a role he has done better than most who have tried in recent years. Having said this, there is still a seeming lack of depth if the Frenchman gets injured or goes through a bad run of form.
Yes, we have Arteta and Flamini who are slowing down and the option of playing Ramsey, Santi and Jack. However does a title winning team want two older players, one slow, one liable to see red or three attacking midfielders playing defensively in the centre of the park?
Zelalem’s current loan spell until January will prove pivotal in his development this season if he can see a run of games. Returning in the new year, he could potentially fulfil the “old player returning = feels like a new signing” role that we seem to get each year.
This would be welcoming as the 18-year-old clearly has the signs of a world class player in a team that’s calling out for one.
No matter the situation at the club when he returns in January, Gedion Zelalem undoubtedly has strong career ahead of him. With the canon on his chest and Wenger at the helm, his chance will come more likely sooner rather than later.
Zelalem is an excellent promising talent but he will need at least five years of experience on the top level to become a nuclear of a World class player .
I agree wit ur submission on Zalalem! I watched him play for USA against Mexico sum days ago nd was quite impressed; he was more like d engine room of d. Team , player maker sort of , was involved in every attack nd recovered impressively to start new attack; however , his passes in d. Final 3rd nids more concerted work cos of his tendency to give it away.no doubt he nd Silva , Jeff nd Akpom,et al are d future Arsenal greats!