The 17-year old was among some other youth players who featured in Arsenal's weekend victory over Boreham Wood. He played for the first 45 minutes and was at the top of his game. Though satisfied with his display, the German is hoping for more of such opportunities.
“I'm delighted to play with the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Abou Diaby,” Zelalem told Arsenal Player. “I grew up watching them, so playing with them is pretty much a dream come true. Hopefully I'll be able to play with them more.
“I think about it all the time. In training [sometimes] I'll zone out thinking, ‘Oh, I'm really training with them'. I don't think I'll get used to it!
“All of them help me - not only the ones that play in my position. Per Mertesackertells me what to do and it's just a good environment to be in.
“They tell me about their experiences, that things will get hard but that you just have to push on. It's good.
This is not the first time Zelalem would play for the first team. He did during Arsenal's 2013 tour of Asia where he became a fan favourite in just three games which were against Indonesia XI, Vietnam XI and Nagoya Grampus. His first team debut came in January 2014 against Coventry City during an FA Cup tie where he came in as a substitute in the 71st minute.
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