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Arsenal: Zelalem Confidence Could Lead To Breakout Year
Arsenal’s Gedion Zelalem has stated of how he feels ready to play in the Premier League. Such confidence sets up him up for a breakout season.
The development of young players is an unpredictable, frustrating and sometimes rewarding venture into the unknown. Many talented players at 14/15 do not grow as expected, they struggle to adapt to the more physical nature of the men’s game while others improve and improve year on year until they become the true star.
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It is an unpredictable game in which injuries, poor management and sheer competition, all things that are beyond the control of any young player, can have a huge effect on the successes or failures of development.
One such player whose development has long been expected among the Arsenal faithful is Gedion Zelalem. Throughout his time with the Arsenal academy, Zelalem has always looked head and shoulders above his peers – as it is a question of when, rather than if, he breaks into the first team. Well, when could well be now.
After a successful loan spell with Rangers, Zelalem has returned to the Emirates with hope of having an impact on the first team. Confident in his ablility to handle the trials of the Premier League. Zelalem stated:
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"“It helped me a lot, playing in front of 50,000 [fans] every week. 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. 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.”"
Such confidence in a young player is wonderful to see. The experience he earned with Rangers will serve him wonderfully as he adapts to the pressures of professional football, and now he has a rock steady confidence in his ability to challenge his more established teammates to forge a role for himself in the first team.
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The blend of exceptional talent, an exceptional work ethic and self belief is a dangerous one, and Zelalem displays all three. Arsenal have got a terrific player on their hands. Zelalem will simply be hoping that he gets the opportunity to prove it. This could well be his year.