Monday, 22nd September, 2014
Arsene Wenger is excited about Arsenal youngster Isaac Hayden, a player he has dubbed a "ball winner".
The French manager is likely to throw Hayden into Arsenal's League Cup clash against Southampton tomorrow, along with a number of other young talents he wants to test in the heat of battle against a fellow Premier League side.
Wenger's team have been criticised for having no steel in midfield of late – but in Hayden the Arsenal boss may have found an eventual answer.
"He's a ball winner, he's a good central defender and a good central midfielder", Wenger said via his club's site.
The Arsenal manager also revealed that until recently Hayden had work to do to prepare himself for top level action. But the Gunners boss has no fears over his involvement now.
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"Technically he was working on his game a bit, but now he is ready for that level", he added.
Hayden made his debut for Arsenal in the League Cup, paring up with Per Mertesacker in central defence against West Brom last year.
The 19-year-old joined Arsenal's youth set-up in 2008 from Southend United and has represented England at every youth level from Under-16 to Under-20.
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