Arsene Wenger has signed another unknown…
Arsenal signed Polish midfielder Krystian Bielik for an undisclosed fee on Wednesday. The 17-year-old is the Gunners’ first signing of the January transfer window.
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Done Deal: Arsenal Sign Polish Wonderkid Krystian Bielik
This was received by the North London club’s fans with a loud chorus of ‘who?’ Here are ten things to know about the wonderkid…
10) A prodigious talent
Bielik broke in to the Legia Warsaw team at just 16-years-old in August, and has impressed so much in the short time since to earn a move to the Premier League.
9) The new Patrick Vieira?
As a sign of this talent the youngster has been dubbed by some as the “new Patrick Vieira”. His ability to pass as well as enforce in midfield is reminiscent of the legendary captain.
8) He’s very mature
His manager, former Manchester United player Henning Berg has said that the Pole has a great mindset.
“For his age he has a very developed ability to make appropriate decisions. Personality sets him on the field, he told legia.sport. “At the first training was a kid who wanted to kick the ball. In his debut, he played as if it was just another game. He does not crack. We had to teach him tactically, but individual skill was already at a high level.”
7) Not the first Gunner from Legia Warsaw
Arsene Wenger has also signed Wojciech Szczesny and Lukasz Fabianski from the Polish side, clearly rating the team as a good place to find talent.
6) He’s not afraid of a big move
This isn’t the first time that the teenager has made a big move. He controversially signed for Legia in the summer from fierce rivals Lech Poznan.
5) Versatile
The Poland under 17’s international can play in either holding midfield or in central defence. Both of which happen to be areas Arsenal need improving.
4) He believes in Arsene Wenger
Bielik has said that he was drawn to the Gunners by manager Arsene Wenger. He said, “I heard directly from the coach that, if I sign for Arsenal, he will immediately take me under his wing.
He continued, “I believe him, because I know that he is not afraid to play youth. Just remember the last game against Galatasaray in the Champions League, in which he played three 17-year-olds in the second half.”
3) But Wenger still had to fight off other teams
Hamburg were reported to also be interested in the 17-year-old, and there manager Josef Zinnbauer will be unhappy he couldn’t the midfielder.
2) He may need to build his physique
He is 6ft 2in tall, but only weighs 78kg, which means that some bulking up may need to be done before he plays regularly in the Premier League.
1) He has European experience
Bielik has actually played once in the Europa League for Legia, so might not be completely out of the depth come the Champions League.