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The Gunners were always originally known for their mighty contingent of Frenchman. But change is very much afoot at the Emirates. Germany is the new country of choice for Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger; with first team trio Lukas Podolski, Mesut Ozil and Per Mertesacker all in and out of the side and Serge Gnabry continuing to impress when called upon. However, there is a 16-year-old that could be set to set the Premier League alight in the future, his name is Gedion Zelalem.
As a child, Zelalem started playing for Hertha Berlin in his home city before moving to the USA in 2006, where he continued his development playing for several American sides. A few years later, he was spotted by Arsenal's scout in the USA Danny Karbassiyon; weeks later he would be on a plane to England to train with Arsenal's development squad.
The youngster has already appeared for Germany's under 15, 16 and 17 squads and is sure to be soon called up to the under-21 side if he continues to impress the dozens of German national team scouts who continue to monitor his progress at Arsenal.
Since touching down in London, the 5 foot 7 midfielder has continued to impress many at the club with some outstanding displays. The midfielder has already been compared to former Arsenal great Cesc Fabregas for his outstanding range of passing both on the ground and in the air. Zelalem has earned praise for his overall quality and was included in the Gunners' tour of Asia by Arsene Wenger. Whilst there, the player showed flashes of brilliance with some strong performances against the likes of Japan's Nagoya Grampus Eight and Vietnam's national side.
This youngster has the world at his feet and under Arsene Wenger's watchful eye, he is sure to be an important player for his club.
It may turn out that the 2013-14 season is a touch too early for Zelalem to force his way into Arsenal's first team squad, however next year will be a major breakthrough season for this youngster who could go on to be a world class talent.
EYEFOOTBALL RATING:
Current rating: 38/50
Potential rating: 49/50
Written by James Turnbull
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