Wilshere Backs 16-year-Old to Spearhead Arsenal’s Future

Jack Wilshere has heaped praise on Arsenal starlet Gedion Zelalem and has earmarked him as one to watch in the future. The 16-year-old has caught the eye of everyone in Arsenal's pre-season tour to Asia and has been tipped to make the first team squad sooner rather than later.

"I've spoken about them before, especially Zelalem. He sees passes that not a lot of players can. You think: 'what's he doing?' and suddenly someone is in. He's only 16 and he's an exciting player. It won't be long before he's ready. He's so comfortable on the ball. Even in training he's a nightmare to play against. He keeps the ball away from you and shields it. He's not very big but he's strong," Wilshere said.

"He drifts in and out of players. He's quite a strong lad and technically he's right up there. He can use his left and right and sees so many passes. He's a good one for the future," he added.

The midfielder gave the assist for Arsenal's third goal against Nagoya Grampus which was converted by Theo Walcott after a pin point pass from midfield by the Germany international. Arsenal finished the game 3-1, taking their tally of goals from their first three games to 17, while conceding only two. Olivier Giroud is the top scorer for the Gunners, scoring six goals while playing only half the stipulated time in the three games. However, Wilshere is enjoying himself and insists that he is well on his way to full fitness.

"It was tough. I went into a few tackles. But if you don't go in properly that's when you can't get yourself hurt. If you go in half and half you can hurt yourself. So I had to go into a couple of challenges. That's my game. I can't ever lose that or I wouldn't be the player I am. Obviously a game is different to training so I had a few aches and pains in other places but the ankle was fine," Wilshere explained.

"I've been doing a lot of power work when I wasn't able to do the fitness work. So power-wise I'm at the same level as the other players. But fitness wise I'm a bit behind. But it's coming," he concluded.