Arsenal: Why Gediom Zelalem can’t be counted out just yet

Arsenal used to be all about Gediom Zelalem, but a series of setbacks have pushed off his arrival. Still, you can’t count him out yet, and here’s why.

Gedion Zelalem was pegged to be Arsenal’s next “golden boy.” Following in the footsteps of the likes of Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey, Zelalem’s presence in the center of the pitch was centered on his ingenuity and his ability to play above his age.

You could see it when he was on loan at Rangers. He just has this extra sense, almost Ozil-like, to know when things are happening before they happen.

But there were also questions asked of him – was he strong enough, fast enough, did he have enough other skills to compliment his passing ability? These are all questions I feel like I’ve been answering about Granit Xhaka all-too-recently.

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For Zelalem, though, it hasn’t been an easy road. Loan moves have proven insightful, but inconclusive and his recent ACL injury left him out of the mix at probably the worst possible time of his career. It was make or break time, and he went down injured.

A fresh start wouldn’t be the worst idea for him, and by that, I mean a move elsewhere. But I’m not too keen on counting him out just yet.

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Jeorge Bird pointed out on his blog that Zelalem would be back in the upcoming preseason for Arsenal, adding that his future is still unclear.

But Zelalem is the exact type of player Wenger loves. Smaller in stature, sound of feet, a real cerebral type, as mentioned, who plays more with his mind than his body.

With all the chaos at the club, it may seem like an odd time to reinvest in a 21-year-old who has struggled to make it, but I can’t think of a better time. While the club is hellbent on building a win-now roster, there is still the need for players of the future, of which Zelalem can still be.

Both Wilshere and Ramsey have questionable futures with the club. Ideally, they will both sign, but who knows. Even if they do, there aren’t that many midfield options with the club, and Zelalem possesses a skill set that moves him further up the pecking order – he’s a passer first and foremost.

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Plus, he is returning at a time where there figure to be a lot of moves. This is prime territory to enter a sort of “last hurrah” mode, or last audition, where Zelalem can once and for all prove that he is the real deal.