Scout Report: Gedion Zelalem
Country:Â USA, Germany
Date of Birth: Jan 26, 1997 (19 Yrs)
Current Club:Â Rangers (On loan from Arsenal)
Position: Central Midfield
Arsene Wenger has prioritized at bringing younger players through in his time at Arsenal, the most recent one is a highly talented midfield star Gedion Zelalem. At the age of 19, he has proved his worth to get first team action after being sent on loan at Rangers and has reached a level where he is ready to win his place in the Arsenal starting XI.
According to club’s sources, Gedion Zelalem will get fair shot at winning a starting XI place at Arsenal next season. With the anticipated exits for Mikel Arteta, Mathieu Flamini and Thomas Rosicky, Arsene Wenger is banking on the 19-year old to step up and be counted for.
Amid the anticipation and hype surrounding this Arsenal starlet, we take a closer look at Gedion Zelalem’s playing style, strengths, weaknesses and future prospects as a professional footballer.
Gedion Zelalem – A brief history
Born in Berlin (26-Jan-97) Gedion Zelalem is a German-born American professional who is seen as the next big talent at a very talented Arsenal youth academy. He was spotted by Arsenal scout Daniel Karbassiyoon in the United States playing for Olney Rangers.
Having played for several youth clubs in Germany and United States, Zelalem joined Arsenal back in 2013. He made his senior debut in an FA Cup game vs. Coventry City back in 2014.
Best known for his passing abilities, Zelalem was sent on loan to Scottish giants Rangers. Since his loan move, Zelalem has helped Rangers cement their place at the top of league table in Scotland’s second division and are widely tipped to make a return to Scotland’s top flight next season.
Back in January, Zelalem extended his loan spell with Rangers until the end of this season. Midfield star will return to Emirates to fight for a regular first team action, which apparently has been promised to him by Arsene Wenger.
Gedion Zelalem – Style of play and strengths
Like any other Arsenal youngster Gedion Zelalem is exceptionally good on the ball and is acclaimed for his vision. Zelalem is technically gifted and can easily dictate the tempo of a game for his team.
His trickery on the ball is not world class but it keeps him in good shape to go past his markers easily. He will certainly be an asset for the team he plays for as he puts in a shift to help out his defense as well.
Despite being 19, he is well built and can hold his own in a tackle and be a presence in midfield. Like many Arsenal youngsters he is a flair player but can also be deployed as the holding midfielder if need be.
Gedion Zelalem – Weaknesses to be worked upon
At present, his goal scoring is the real worry for Arsenal or the team he will end up playing next season. He is expected to have a first team involvement next season with the Gunners thus he needs to work on that aspect of his game.
Another facet to his game he needs polishing is consistency. He takes time to come back from a poor performance which is down to the age as he is still learning his traits. Under Arsene Wenger’s watchful management, he should get it sorted next season.
Gedion Zelalem – What does the future hold?
Just at the age of 19, Zelalem is having to deal with the tag of being the next big hope of football in United States. That is where this Arsenal ace has to shape his career with utter care in coming seasons.
He has been promised a first team action next season by Wenger and that would be the defining moment of Zelalem’s career. Given the amount of talent he has, we can only wait for him to shine at the European stage, which is a matter of when and not IF.
Image Credit: Getty, Video Credit: Youtube
