Arsenal youngster Gedion Zelalem is convinced he is ready to take the step up to the Premier League as he looks to prove himself to Arsene Wenger.
American prodigy Zelalem, the first player born after Wenger took over at Arsenal to play for the Gunner’s manager, is part of the squad for the club’s tour of the United States and is expected to feature in Friday morning’s MLS All Star Game.
Zelalem’s only competitive appearances for Arsenal so far have come in the FA Cup and as a substitute in a Champions League dead rubber but the 19-year-old is convinced that a spell at Rangers last season, where he made 28 appearances as the Scottish side secured promotion to the top flight, has prepared him for the English Premier League.
"It helped me a lot, playing in front of 50,000 [fans] every week," he told ESPN. "Just being a first-team player, the big media press around Scotland was massive as well. I learned a lot on the pitch, to play quicker. It helped physically as well. I'm happy with it."
Introducing the MLS All-Stars squad
"I'm just more confident in my ability. I'm good enough to play [in the Premier League]. I'm just hoping to get that chance."
Though Zelalem, the centre of attention in the US media ahead of Friday’s game, is more likely to spend another season on loan he has caught the eye of his Arsenal manager. Wenger is convinced that the midfielder has a bright future ahead of him.
Arsenal in pre-season training
“Last season he was on loan at Glasgow Rangers, where he did quite well,” the manager said. “He is a player with top quality.
“He might take a bit longer to mature because he was physically a little bit behind on body structure but I’m sure he will be a great player. He [matured a bit slowly] physically but overall I’m convinced that he will make a great career.”
