Report: Arsenal U21s 3-1 Bolton U21s

Terry Burton's U21 side played their first match in the reformatted reserve league against Bolton tonight.

After dominating much of the first half, Arsenal were dealt a major blow when goalkeeper Emi Martinez was deservedly shown a red card after bringing down Bolton's striker, who had just rounded him. The penalty was duly dispatched and the half finished 1-0 to the visitors.

Some Terry Burton words of wisdom must have done the trick at the interval, as his side came out almost rejuvenated in the second half, and didn't have to wait long for the equaliser.

Young German midfielder Thomas Eisfeld continued his impressive goalscoring record for the Gunners with a tap in after some tidy play between Serge Gnabry and Chuba Akpom - which resulted in the latter striking the woodwork.

Eisfeld seems to have a knack of being in the right place at the right time, as he showed tonight and also with his goals during the pre-season tour of Asia.

Conor Henderson then exhibited his expertise from dead ball situations, firstly with a superb free kick to make it 2-1, and then a thumping penalty to give the Gunners a two goal cushion.

The team showed tremendous character against a physical Bolton side, who had a man advantage for most of the game. Burton will be delighted with the response of his players after half time, and they obviously listened to what he had to say. Next up for the U21s is Blackburn on Saturday, which is also at The Emirates.

Player Focus (on most influential performers):

James Shea

The young goalkeeper was excellent after replacing Martinez in goal, at the expense of Kris Olsson. His first involvement was to pick the ball out the back of the net from a penalty but numerous impressive saves followed. Most notably, a double save Wojciech Szczsney would have been proud of. The ball was cut back to Bolton's striker and from no more than 10 yards out, shot straight at the keeper, who sprung to his feet instantly to block the rebound. First team goalkeeping coach Gerry Peyton will have been impressed.

Hector Bellerin

The Barca import played at right back today, and struggled defensively at times. He grew in confidence as the game progressed, however, offering more of an attacking threat. Having said that, he missed a glorious opportunity to give Arsenal the lead, after great work from Gnabry on the right. 

Nico Yennaris

Yennaris was deployed in central midfield, his natural position, and in my opinion was Arsenal's man of the match. Having performed for the first team on three occasions - including a match against Manchester United - Yennaris added real composure to the Arsenal midfield. 

He did the simple things excellently - which is easier said than done. He broke up play, distributed possession adroitly and made a couple bursting runs forward. For a man so small he is deceptively strong - particularly in his upper body, and was not afraid to put himself about. While most of the plaudits will be aimed at Conor Henderson and Serge Gnabry, I thought Yennaris delivered a stellar performance this evening. 

"He's so good to play with", says Chuba Akpom, "he works hard and plays simple football".

Conor Henderson

The fulcrum in the side, Henderson cemented his impressive performance with two goals from dead ball situations, most notably a curling free kick from 20 yards out. 

An excellent passer of the ball, my only criticism - which I have noted after watching him in all the reserves' pre season friendlies this year - is that he tries to force play too often, constantly searching for the killer ball. As the saying goes, "football is simple yet the hardest thing to do is playing simple football". Nonetheless, Henderson played well. 

Serge Gnabry

Another fine performance from the 17 year old German, whose bullish runs and deceptive trickery are becoming somewhat of a trademark. He displayed his dexterity as a winger with an excellent first time cross with his weaker left foot in the first half, followed by some great pieces of movement to spin in behind the opposing full back. 

The mouths of the 4,000+ Arsenal fans were watered after a scintillating piece of skill by Gnabry in the second half, where he rode a tackle and then, in the blink of an eye, turned magnificently past three defenders and delivered a dangerous cross. 

Thomas Eisfeld

Like his compatriot, Eisfeld impressed again, despite struggling to impose himself on the game in spells.  He demonstrated his tremendous technical ability on numerous occasions, for example a little burst of pace from midfield followed by a Fabregas-esq scooped through ball which almost created a goal for Akpom. 

Again, he tended to drift inside from his wide right position, suggesting he is most comfortable when operating centrally. He scored the equaliser and was one of Arsenal's most dangerous attackers, so will have impressed the onlooking Arsene Wenger. 

Chuba Akpom

As ever, 16 year old Akpom delivered an industrious performance, and deserved a goal. Despite several cynical fouls from behind, leaving his ankles "destroyed", the striker continued to hassle and harry, and displayed his willingness to run in behind.

In the opening stages, Akpom played a cute reverse ball into Gnabry and the German should have scored. But for a fine last ditch tackle from Bolton's Niall Maher, Akpom would have given Arsenal the lead, and was unlucky not to score later on after his shot hit the post - only for Eisfeld to convert the rebound.

Akpom played to his strengths and has made huge progress in the last couple months. Evidently, he is making a firm impression on Terry Burton.

Thanks for reading and feel free to Follow me on Twitter.

Which U18s can Arsenal fans expect to see in this year's Capital One Cup?

New reserve team boss Terry Burton has had a mixed start to his reign, winning twice, drawing once and losing on the solitary occasion. Despite this, pre-season for Arsenal's second string has provided the fans with some exciting glimpses of what is to come. I was present for all the reserves' pre-season fixtures, excluding Chesham, and hope to provide some insight as to who could make the step up to first team football this year. 

Chuba Akpom 

Akpom with Neymar

The 16 year old excelled in his reserve team debut a fortnight ago, in the 3-1 victory over non-league side Boreham Wood. The England U16 international is most effective as a centre forward, and possesses a balance between technical and physical prowess rare to find in a man so young. 

He confidently dispatched his penalty against the Hertfordshire side and impressed with his hold up play and work rate. The following week, in the 0-0 draw at Stevenage, Akpom struggled to impose himself on the game, exacerbated by the lack of service he received.  Despite this, he continued hassling and harrying and was ever willing to run in behind, so he should take encouragement from that performance. 

Akpom was rested for the midweek game against Dartford, but received a massive break the following day as he was asked to train with the first team. Chuba told me he 'fitted in well' alongside stars such as Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski, showing how far he has developed as a player in the last year or so.

Akpom entered the fray after an hour in the 6-2 thrashing of Chesham and impressed again, posing a constant threat to the opposition defence and scoring in the process. Two goals in his first three matches for the reserves will certainly please Burton and his coaching staff, and place the youngster in contention for Capital One Cup football this term.  

Kris Olsson

Like Akpom, Olsson made his debut for the reserves against Boreham Wood. He handled himself impressively from his central position, constantly seeking possession and trying to create. The 17 year old scored a delicate lob which epitomised his ability, vision, awareness, and confidence. The latter trait is emphasised by the fact he didn't feel nervous 'at all' when taking his penalty vs Southampton for the first team - which he scored with aplomb. 

His physical strength is arguably the only thing restricting him at the moment from featuring in the Capital One Cup. On the other hand, the coaching staff had enough confidence in the Swede's ability to select him for the Southampton friendly. 

Against Stevenage, Olsson struggled to influence proceedings in what was a dire match. He publicly stated how disappointed he was with his individual performance, although he was playing a solid team and shouldn't feel disheartened. 

He did not come off the bench against Dartford, but grabbed another 60 minutes at Chesham. I spoke to Chuba and he picked out Kris (and also 16 year old first year scholar Jack Jebb) as the star performers, as well as himself. 

The young Swede, touted 'the next Tomas Rosicky', is certainly one to keep a keen eye on.

Serge Gnabry

At 17 years of age, attacking midfielder Serge Gnabry is one of the most exciting prospects at Arsenal. With a physique comparable to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, the youngster would acclimatise to the physical demands of first team football better than others.

Gnabry was one of the stars of Steve Bould's U18 side last year, scoring seven goals in ten games - a phenomenal return for a midfielder. The then reserve team manager Neil Banfield gave Serge his chance in the second string where he continued to impress, scoring twice in six appearances. 

In the opening 45 minutes against Dartford last Wednesday, Gnabry was the most dangerous player on the pitch, wreaking havoc upon the opposition defence with his directness and trickery. 

In the 0-0 draw with Stevenage the previous week, the German provided some of Arsenal's only moments of quality, notably a jinking run resulting in a shot which hit the bar. 

Though still eligible for Arsenal's U18 side, Gnabry will feature more prominently in Burton's reserves this season, and the fact he has traveled to Cologne with the first team is a clear indication of Wenger's intention to use him in the Capital One Cup. 

Martin Angha

The Swiss defender was the most prominent figure in Neil Banfield's reserve side last season, with 22 appearances. Despite his preferred position of centre half, Angha is equally as adept at fullback, where he possesses enough technical ability to provide additional fire power to the attack. 

The defender, who turns nineteen in January, was deployed at centre back in the game against Boreham Wood, delivering a solid and composed performance.

Burton decided to utilise Angha at right back the following week against Stevenage. However in the opening stages the youngster was guilty of over playing in congested areas near his own goal. This is an observation worth noting, as he has previously been criticised for lapses in concentration. Although this will improve with experience, it could be a possible hindrance to his prospects of first team football this season. However, he grew in confidence and composure as the game progressed, and his side kept a clean sheet.  

Angha has trained with the first team on several occasions, and his versatility is certainly valued. He was also one of the select few who were chosen to train with the Brazil national side, showing he is regarded highly by his coaches.

Moreover, had it not been for a registration issue, Angha would have traveled to Olympiacos as part of the first team squad for their final Champions League group stage fixture last year.

Clearly, the youngster has talent, and if he is not sent out on loan this season, could well feature in the Cup.

Kyle Ebecilio

Ebecilio is also a versatile player, who is normally deployed in midfield. He can be effective in both central and wide positions, impressing with his passing ability, tackling and power. He also provides a useful source of goals from midfield. His idol, he has said, is Alex Song, and their styles are not too dissimilar. 

Having played football in Holland, graduating from the Feyenoord academy, it is no surprise to see such a rounded individual. An alternative training method used in Holland is to play youngsters out of position so they can develop other skills and become more complete footballers. You can read more about this subject here. 

The Dutchman's reputation was significantly enhanced after last year's U17 European Championships. Despite invariably playing as a defensive midfielder, Ebecilio was the tournament's highest goalscorer with three goals, and after his side's 5-2 demolition of Germany in the final, was awarded the 'Golden Player' prize, following in the footsteps of Cesc Fabregas and Wayne Rooney.

Despite his goalscoring excursions, Ebecilio, who finds the net almost once every six games for Arsenal's U18s, has been played predominantly at right back this year. Having been called up to the first team for the friendly against Southampton in this position, it is feasible that this is where he'll play if selected for the Cup, especially when you consider Arsenal's lack of depth in that area. 

However, despite impressing in an attacking sense, Ebecilio does not seem a natural defender, and Carl Jenkinson and Nico Yennaris are ahead of him as deputies to Bacary Sagna.

Ebecilio has over 20 appearances for Arsenal's second string and trained with the first team on several occasions. It is said that Arsene Wenger is contemplating including him in Cup football this season, so remember the name. 

'Til next time, and remember to Follow me on Twitter.

Arsenal squad announced for 2012/13 Next Gen Series

The provisional - and very long - Arsenal squad for the upcoming Next Gen series has been announced. A squad comprising of 18 of the players below will be chosen on each match day. The Gunners will face Olympiacos, Athletic Bilbao and Marseille in group six, and home fixtures will be played at Barnet's Underhill stadium.

I spoke to U18 star Kris Olsson not too long ago and asked him his thoughts on the tournament. This was his response:

To play against the best teams and players from your age group is always good and it develops you as a footballer. To get an experience to play in front of a crowd and maybe TV is also good, so I am really looking forward to it!

I am sure this is the general consensus around the whole group, and the tournament is a big step in the development of these young players. Here is the squad, as listed on the Next Gen website.

Goalkeepers: 

Reice Charles-Cook - 18

Josh Vickers - 16

Defenders:

Zach Fagan (CB) - 17

Elton Monteiro (CB) - 18

Sead Hajrovic (CB) - 19

Leander Siemann (CB) - 16

Martin Angha (CB) - 18

Arinse Uade (CB) - 16

Tom Dallison (CB) - 16

Brandon Ormonde-Ottewill (LB) - 16

Samir Bihmoutine (LB) - 18

Hector Bellerin (RB) - 17

Nico Yennaris (RB, DM) - 19

Kyle Ebecilio (RB, CM) - 18

Midfielders:

Isaac Hayden (DM) - 17

Jordan Wynter (DM) -18

Kris Olsson (CM) - 17

Jon Toral (CM) - 17

Jack Jebb (CM) - 16

Josh Rees (RM) - 18

Thomas Eisfeld (AM) - 19

Serge Gnabry (AM) - 17

Chuks Aneke (AM) - 19

Forwards:

Phillip Roberts (ST) - 18

Nigel Neita (ST) - 18

Alfred Mugabo (RW) - 16

Tarum Dawkins (RW) - 16

Anthony Jeffrey (LW) - 17

Chuba Akpom (ST) - 16

Austin Lipman (ST) - 16

Zak Ansah (ST) - 18

Benik Afobe (ST) - 19

Interview with U18 star Kris Olsson | Part II

(If you missed part one, just keep calm and click here). 


RL: You've represented Sweden on numerous occasions. First of all, what is it like playing for your country? Do you feel a different sort of pressure than when you represent Arsenal?

KO: It is great to play for your country. I mean, you represent your own country and it's a big thing every time!

Yes I feel a different sort of pressure. I mean, in Sweden I'm the 'star' - I play for Arsenal whereas everyone else plays for a club in Sweden, apart from two. So it's a different sort of pressure but I love to play for the national team and feel proud every time.

RL: Do you feel you thrive under the pressure of being the 'star' man, or do you sometimes feel it is too much of a burden/responsibility? 

KO: No I like that pressure - I usually play well when I'm under it. Generally, I play quite well for Sweden, so I like it!

RL: Secondly, how different are the philosophies of your Swedish side to that of Arsenal? 

KO: Sweden is not a big footballing country, so we're (the U17s) usually not the best team so it's different. We have some decent players to be fair, but our coach wants me to have the ball a lot and go forward quickly, whereas at Arsenal we should keep the ball etc.

RL: What did you make of Sweden's failings at Euro 2012?

KO: I think the first match was the thing, I mean if you lose to Ukraine, you shouldn't be there. But they played quite well against England and France, I just think they need some new players; some good wingers and centre mids.

RL: That's where you come in! 

Having played for Fulham and Brentford youth teams myself, plus Sunday League, I soon realised that as long as you were big, aggressive and physically imposing, you could get into even the best of sides. Is this similar to youth football in Sweden? Or is there more emphasis on the technical side of the game? 

KO: Yes, that is true, if you are big enough and strong enough you can play for most sides. I was often overlooked for this reason, until I was 15.

RL: Is it true you rejected an offer from Chelsea when you were 13? Legend already!

KO: Haha, no. They wanted me to go on trial but then the boss of youth football at Chelsea said no to all trials at that time - it was something to do with Abramovich's money.

RL: So Chelsea asked you on trial but then their own youth boss said no because of Abramovich's money? 

KO: Yes, exactly. The scout who saw me was Swedish and he sent me all the papers and we were ready to go, but then he said no, the Chelsea youth boss said no because Abramovich said no to all youth trials and tournaments and those kind of things.

RL: That is a quite shocking disregard for youth football. 

Who were the toughest opposition team you've faced?

KO: Southampton in the Marcus Liebherr Cup with the first team. Youth sides - probably the French national team and Chelsea.

RL: Have you had much interaction with Arsene? 

KO: I've talked to him a few times, but we've only ever had one serious conversation!

RL: Who is first to let you know if you've had a bad game, or offer words of advice? 

KO: It used to be Steve Bould, or Liam Brady.

RL: I hear from a reliable source *cough cough Chuba* that Bould once "went mad" at you for pulling out of a challenge in training. (Sorry to embarrass you!)

What are your thoughts on Bould as a coach, and his promotion to assistant manager? 

KO: Haha, yeah! But I really like him, as a coach and outside the pitch. It's a bit sad that he is now in the first team as he was great, but at the same time he knows us all so that is good for the future.

RL: You once went to America to improve your running under the tuition of Michael Johnson. What was that like? Did you feel you improved? 

KO: It was good. A bit different and really challenging! I felt I improved my strength and also got quicker, so yes it helped me.

RL: Last season you were not selected to play any matches for the reserves, while teammates such as Toral, Bellerin and Gnabry were. Do you understand the reasons for your omission? Do you think this year the new reserve team boss Terry Burton will pick you? 

KO: To be fair no, not really, but I mean I didn't play that well in the spring and I was ill and got injured, so that's a reason. But also I think Neil (Banfield) thought I wasn't good enough. I really hope Terry will pick me - that's my target for this year!

(Since speaking to me, Kris made his debut for the reserves in the 3-1 victory over Boreham Wood, scoring a goal in the process). 

RL: Tell me about your experience with the first team at the Marcus Liebherr Cup; how did you feel when you were told the news? 

KO: I was surprised and a bit nervous, but then just happy and of course very proud. Everything happened so quickly, it was just unreal.

RL: Was it a different kind of atmosphere travelling with the first team rather than the U18s? 

KO: No not really! Perhaps it's slightly quieter with the first team, and more computers!

RL: Did you feel confident when stepping up to take your penalty against Southampton? Even though it was a friendly, you must have felt pretty nervous!

KO: No I wasn't nervous at all. I mean, I had no pressure, everything was a bonus. So yes I was quite confident!

RL: Fellow Swede Seb Larsson failed to make his mark at Arsenal despite being highly regarded as a youngster. Do you feel this will be different for you? Why?

KO: Yes he failed here but that was when Arsenal had one of their best ever squads, so it was very difficult to break through. He plays for the Swedish national team and is a good Premier League player now, so I wouldn't say that he failed as a footballer though.

I hope it will be different for me. But it's difficult to make it all the way. I'll just work the hardest I can and with a bit of luck and a bit of quality, you never know! I have the ambition and the determination, plus I'm humble, so I really hope so, but we'll see.

RL: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

KO: I hope I'm playing in the first team for Arsenal and Sweden!

RL: You said that Seb Larsson will call you up one day and offer some advice, has he fulfilled his promise?

KO: No not yet!

RL: What are your views on the NextGen series? Of course Arsenal are participating this year, in the same group as Athletic Bilbao, Marseilles and Olympiacos. 

KO: Yes I am looking forward to it. It's going to be brilliant. To play against the best teams and players from your age group is always good and it develops you as a footballer. To get an experience to play in front of a crowd and maybe TV is also good, so yes I am really looking forward to it!

RL: Alban Bunjaku, who Chuba Akpom recently described to me as 'the best' in the team, recently left Arsenal to join Seville. You had a good understanding with each other, and your link up play was excellent at times. What are your thoughts on his departure and his ability in general?

KO: I don't know why he left. He was a good player but played a bit too much for himself. I disagree with Chuba that he was the best - it is Gnabry and Gedion (Zelalem) in my opinion. But he was a nice guy although maybe a bit too quiet! I wish him good luck!

RL: You were signed as a 16 year old for almost £300,000. Does that ever affect you or add pressure for you to perform?

KO: No not really. Well I already feel a bit of pressure by playing for Arsenal, but that's good. As I said earlier, I play better when under pressure!

RL: And finally: It's 2018, and you're playing for the first team against Spurs. It is the last minute, Chuba receives the ball edge of the box, lays it off and you curl it into the top corner. What is your celebration?! 

KO: I'd run to the corner flag where the Arsenal fans are and kiss the badge on my chest, then point my finger to Chuba! (in appreciation)

That sounds like a pretty good celebration, and a good way to end this interview!

Thanks for reading and remember to Follow me on Twitter. It's my birthday tomorrow, so think of it as an early present. 

You can follow Kris, too.

'Till next time. 

My interview with Arsenal U18 star Kristoffer Olsson | Part I

The second instalment in my series of interviews with rising stars is Swede Kris Olsson. Kris signed for Arsenal two years ago from Swedish side Norrkoping, and has made a name for himself in the U18s for his tremendous playmaking ability. He was recently called up to the first team to play in the Marcus Liebherr Cup, where he scored a penalty against Southampton. Enjoy! 

RL: You were scouted while playing in Sweden by Liam Brady. When a man of this stature picks you out, it must be pretty overwhelming. How did you feel when you learned of the club's interest in you? 

KO: When they said they wanted me it felt unreal. I mean I played for a club in Sweden, and such a big club wanted me so that was just unreal in the beginning. But after a while I was just happy and proud.

RL: Describe your passage into Arsenal, after they stated their interest. Was it simple or were there complications? 

KO: It went quite quick - my family came over and then Arsenal said I should move over in July (2011), but then we didn't hear from them for a while and I was a bit nervous that it wouldn't come to anything. However in the beginning of July 2011 they sent me the flight details and everything! It was unreal!

RL: It was rumoured that there was interest in you from the likes of Juventus and Man Utd. What made you choose Arsenal?

KO: I didn't know that to be fair, I just knew that Ajax were interested in me. Arsenal are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and when I was on trial everything felt so good and professional. I knew that Arsenal's youth system is one of the best in the world as well. You get the chance if you are good enough - it's not like Man City... I mean they'll buy a player in your position even if you are a great player.. it was an easy choice signing for Arsenal!

RL: Was it hard leaving your home and moving to a foreign country?

KO: Yes of course it was very hard! But I think I expected it to be even harder so it was alright, but to leave all my friends at home and my family it was tough, it's still hard to leave them now like after the summer break and the winter break!

RL: Tell us about your encounter with Woj Szczesny! 

KO: The table tennis thing? That was a misunderstanding! 

(Rumours that Kris beat Wojiech in a game of table tennis and the keeper blanked him and walked away sulking!)

RL: How does youth football in Sweden differ from that in England? In terms of standard of players & coaches, balance between training and education, ball work and gym work, etc. 

KO: It's totally different! The standard of the football is a big difference, and also coaches and coaching staff (at Arsenal) are always around the team and players. Also in Sweden where I use to play it was basically just a nice warm up and then games! We didn't do any gym work either and here we do it 3 or 4 times a week.

RL: Clearly there is more emphasis on the physical aspect of the game at Arsenal. 

Do you think your time in Sweden has helped you as a footballer? I.e their different coaching techniques, training methods etc

KO: Yes of course. I've always had good coaches and when when I was 11 I moved to IFK Norrköping (which is a big club in Sweden) and we did a lot of technique stuff and we had 4 or 5 trainings sessions a week, more than any other team in my age group at that time, so I would say yes.

RL: Did your former club have a philosophy of passing football, meaning you could adapt easier at Arsenal? Or was it quite a change?

KO: No not really, but we always had some good players in our team so we had the ball most of the time. It was a huge change at Arsenal! I mean here you have to keep the ball and can't take too many risks and things like that, but it feels like I have gotten used to it now, but it took a while!

RL: I asked Chuba Akpom who the best player in the U18s was. Guess who he picked? 

Who would you say is your most talented teammate? (Apart from Chuba of course)

KO: He picked me?! Haha. I'm so boring so I wouldn't choose one but if I have to....Gnabry is very good, and also Gedion (Zelalem) as well, he's born in 1997 and plays centre mid, he's quality! Calm with the ball, his touch is brilliant, good passer - will be a top player. 

(15 year old Gedion Zelalem got the highest score in a fitness test which included members of the first team)

RL: You have a slender build. Did you find the step up from Swedish to English football, physically, very difficult? 

KO: Yes in the beginning it was extremely difficult, but as with everything else, I'm getting use to it and I'm much stronger now.

RL: You have been compared with Tomas Rosicky, or 'The Little Mozart'. How do you feel about this? Do you think it is a valid comparison?

KO: It's unreal to be compared with him, but yes we have the same style of play and we both are midfielders, but I haven't got long hair any more so I dont know!

RL: Fair enough, maybe you'll start a trend and he will cut his hair too!

Your tremendous progress last year was stifled by injury. How difficult was this for you? 

KO: Exactly, he wants to be like me! Yeah it was hard, as it was my first real injury and I was a bit stressed because I missed a lot of games and I was in a hurry to get fit in time for the Euros with the national team. I was also ill during the season and missed a lot of games, and that is the time when you miss home a lot and your family and friends. But I'm glad to be fit now. 

RL: You told Arsenal.com that you played as a defensive midfielder in Sweden. I wrote an article highlighting the change in requirements for a modern day defensive mid; they dont have to be powerful enforcers, but rather great readers of the game with great ball retention and distribution. As a more technical player yourself, how far would you agree with this? 

KO: I would agree 100 per cent! 

RL: Great minds think alike, eh?! 

You now play as a no.10, behind the striker. Chuba tells me that you are 'a dream' to play with - do you feel you've made this position your own, after transforming from a DM?

KO: I still prefer to play as a defensive mid, but I would have to improve my defensive side and my strength. But I mean to play as a no. 10 is better for me I think because then I do what I'm good at. I play where the coach wants me to play but still, I prefer playing as a DM.

RL: Oh so you actually wanted to continue as a defensive mid? And by 'better for me', do you mean you perform better as a no.10 than you do as a DM?

KO: Well I don't really mind to be fair...but I mean I scored two goals last year and both when I played as a DM, but I made 8 assists when I played as a no.10.

RL: Ok, so you'd say you can offer more to the team as a no.10 than if you were a DM?

KO: No not really but it's a difficult question because I don't really mind -  I just want to be in the team. But I think in the future I'll be a no. 10.

RL: Good attitude! You said after signing for us that you might dye your hair red like Freddie Ljungberg. Although this was a lighthearted comment, how far would you say Swedes like Freddie influenced you? Did he inspire you to succeed at Arsenal? 

KO: Yes of course, many people say: 'oh come on be the new Freddie!', and I know he's one of the biggest players that has played for Arsenal. But we don't have the same style of play so it will be different! However if I make the first team one day, I might be dying my hair as he did!

RL: That would be an interesting sight! 

I'm sure the ladies would like you to follow in Freddie's footsteps, and model Calvin Klein boxers!

KO: Haha exactly! Not my girlfriend, mind!

Well, that's that for part one of this interview! Stay tuned in the coming days as I'll be publishing the second - and more revealing part - which includes something fairly shocking about Chelsea. 

Thanks for reading, and remember to Follow me on Twitter. 

If you're not already following Kris, you can do so now. 

'Til next time.