"I swear to God!" - Zinchenko loves Arsenal youngster who pushed Gabriel Jesus

30 August 2023 , 08:26

1076     0

"I swear to God!" - Zinchenko loves Arsenal youngster who pushed Gabriel Jesus

Arsenal ace Oleksandr Zinchenko has played with a whole host of elite talent, so anyone the subject of his praise must be quite the player.

In comments that will undoubtedly excite the Emirates faithful, the former Manchester City left-back has waxed lyrical over one Gunners youngster and recalled one training ground incident in particular that left him thinking "wow". Zinchenko has made the bold claim that teenager Reuell Walters has the most potential in the famed Hale End academy.

Both Ethan Nwaneri and Amario Cozier-Duberry have arguably generated more of a buzz among fans and pundits alike, but it was Walters that stood out among the rest in the eyes of the four-time Premier League champion. The 18-year-old defender left the Tottenham academy in 2020 and since established himself as an Arsenal under-21s.

Pressed for comment on if there were any up and coming stars in the Gunners youth set-up, Zinchenko told Rio Ferdinand's 'Five' YouTube channel : “I like so much centre-back Reuell, I think the qualities he has, he is aggressive. I swear to God, one time he pushed Gabriel Jesus in a shoulder to shoulder.

"It is not easy to push Gabriel because he is very strong, and he was confident on the ball afterwards, he kept the ball well and passed. Wow. He impresses me the most." Walters is no stranger to being in and around Arsenal's first-team, having been named in multiple Premier League match-day squads following William Saliba's injury last season.

Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush

Walters boasts a number of key attributes that Arteta is a fan of, including versatility. Particularly in defenders, the Arsenal boss loves anyone that can be deployed in a number of different roles, with Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu prime examples.

HAVE YOUR SAY! Who will be the next successful Arsenal academy graduate? Comment below

Arsenal youngster Reuell Walters has caught the eye of Oleksandr Zinchenko

While Walters preferred role is as a right-back, he has the ability to play anywhere across the back-line. It is that flexibility, mixed with supreme technical quality, that has seen the 18-year-old earn eight caps for England at under-19s and under-18s level.

There is a strong chance Walters earns his first minutes as a senior player at some point this season, especially after Jurrien Timber's anterior cruciate ligament injury has left Arsenal with one less defender for the majority of the campaign.

Factoring in the likely departures of Rob Holding and Nuno Tavares, fate has favoured Walters this term and when he gets his opportunity, he'll likely seize it with both hands if Zinchenko's comments are anything to go by.

Josh O'Brien