Jack Wilshere has praised Gedion Zelalem for his attitude since he broke into the first-team squad last season.

The talented youngster made his senior debut against Coventry City at the start of 2014 and has started both of Arsenal's recent pre-season friendlies.

Wilshere, another product of Arsenal's youth system, believes the 17-year-old can be a future star at the club, if he maintains his current workrate.

"Gedion's got so much natural ability and the right attitude towards the game"

"He's a great kid and that's the main thing," Wilshere said. "He's willing to learn, he's willing to listen, he's respectful and he looks up to us.

"He always asks questions about what he should be doing. The main thing is his ability - that's the key thing with him.

"He's got so much ability and he can go where he wants. Maybe he needs to get a little bit stronger but his ability will take him through.

"Gedion's got so much natural ability and the right attitude towards the game. Naturally he's going to become stronger and he's training with great players."

Zelalem was a popular figure during Arsenal's trip to New York, having spent seven years of his childhood in the States. The teenager admits it was a "dream come true" to play against Gunners legend Thierry Henry.

"There's been a lot of support from the fans which was good," said Zelalem. "We haven't been to New York before so going there was reality nice.

"At the moment I'm just trying to break into the Arsenal first team. I'm just trying to play football at Arsenal.

"I watched him [Thierry Henry] when he was in his prime and to play against was great - another dream come true."