Arsenal boss praises Ethiopia’s target Gedion Zelalem

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Arsenal boss Arsène Wenger heaped praise on 17-year-old Gunners’ midfielder Gedion Zelalem, who joined the North London side’s Youth Academy in 2013 from the United States before making his first appearance with the senior squad early this year.

“I honestly think Gedion has the talent to become a great player, but that will be decided in the next two or three years because he has to show that he has the mental level required to be a top-level competitor,” the Arsenal manager said.

“He is a creative player and he can create a spark, an opening with his passing, his vision through the lines. If he manages to develop his physique and keep his qualities, he can be a very important player. Let’s hope he will do it.

“I believe he is a very young, promising talent who was educated here [in the United States]. Today it is too early for him to play for us but I would say in one year we will know more about him. Maybe if it all goes well, in six months.

“Just now he is not ready to start in the Premier League, but he is with us and practises with us a lot and we have high expectations for him.”

The Berlin-born midfielder of Ethiopian descent played for Germany Youth teams U-15, U-16 and U-17, but the ‘Walyas’ still hope he will represent his country of origin at senior level.

Source:Africanfootball