1 Arsenal's Gedion Zelalem (right)

Likened to Cesc Fabregas, Xavi and Andres Iniesta? That’s very high praise, so with Gedion Zelalem set to play a role in Arsenal’s pre-season, talkSPORT’s Talent Spotter takes a closer look at the young star whose name is on the lips of many fans…

Name: Gedion Zelalem

Date of birth: 26 January, 1997

Birthplace: Berlin, Germany

Position: Central midfielder

Club: Arsenal

The nitty gritty

1) Zelalem came on trial with Arsenal in 2011. He was spotted by ex-Gunner Danny Karbassiyoon playing football for schoolboy side Olney Soccer Club in the USA, where he was living at the time. After a two-week test period, Arsenal invited him to join their academy.

2) The midfielder was one of the lucky Arsenal youngsters to train with the Brazilian Olympic Football team during their pre-London 2012 preparations at London Colney. That summer proved particularly fruitful for him as he impressed on his U18 debut in pre-season against Chelsea. He has also trained with the Arsenal first team on several occasions.

3) His playing style has seen him likened to Arsenal academy graduate Cesc Fabregas, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain claiming that while development is still needed, there are qualities in his game that Fabregas possesses. His passing was singled out as a strength, while a former coach says there is a bit of Xavi and Iniesta in his game, too (see ‘what’s being said’ below).

4) After impressing on Arsenal’s pre-season tour of Asia in 2013 he eventually made his debut for the club in their 4-0 victory over Coventry in the FA Cup fourth round in January 2014. By taking to the field against Coventry, Zelalem became the first player born after Arsene Wenger took charge of the club to take to appear for the Gunners.

5) It was reported Zelalem’s father was going to apply for US citizenship, which would then automatically be acquired by the youngster. As such, some Americans created a petition to fast-track the application so he can play for Jurgen Klinsmann’s side as soon as possible. It has 1,159 signatures.

What’s being said?

They say:

“He is a very young, promising talent. He has been educated here. He has the talent to be a great player.”

– Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger

“He dribbles like Iniesta and he passes like Xavi. I’ve thought like that for the past few years but I’ve been wary about saying it. I don’t worry now.”

– Matt Pilkington, his boss at Olney Rangers in the US

Video evidence

Have you seen of Zelalem play? Let us know what you think in the comments below…