Gedion Zelalem: The Next Fabregas



As is often the case with our glorious club we are never far from potentially unearthing the next big thing. In recent months one name has been constant amongst newspapers and twitter circles - Gedion Zelalem. The 16 year old is half German, half Ethiopian and has been earmarked as one for the future.

Zelalem was discovered by our very own Daniel Karbassiyoon, who is an expert on North American football. The ex-arsenal player turned scout, spotted Zelalem while scouting over in the States and instantly notified Wenger of his findings. Unsurprisingly Zelalem was swiftly offered a trial with us before joining as an academy scholar.

The star's rise to fame is slowly taking shape, with the midfielder making his under 21 debut this season against Liverpool. In the match Zelalem showed glimpses of what is to come. He is neat and tidy on the ball, but he also looks as though he can develop into a physical powerhouse; something our midfield has lacked ever since Pat left.

Gedion first caught my attention when he was selected to train with the Brazil squad prior to London 2012. This was merely an invitation from them as they were using London Colney as a camp to prepare for the tournament, however the fact they gave Zelalem the opportunity to train says a great deal.

As is always the case with youngsters we must be wary about the potential for them not to develop. Supposed stars of the future like Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, Jermaine Pennant and Arturo Lupoli, are all examples of players who excelled for the reserves but never quite cut the mustard for the first team. We also cannot escape the fact that although Zelalem is dubbed the next Cesc, Fabregas was already strutting his stuff for the first team at this point.

Recent reports claim Zelalem may join up with the first team for pre-season, with the view to maybe giving him a chance in some of the Capital One fixtures next season. If this is the case, it is clear Wenger has high hopes for the youngster and we have every right to get a little excited about what the future may hold for Gedion Zelalem.

Watch Zelalem's debut for the under 21s against Liverpool below.

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Come on you Gooners!