'Massive' Sead Kolasinac is a dangerous weapon for Arsenal - Per Mertesacker

Kolasinac impressed on his Emirates debut vs Benfica
Arsenal FC via Getty Images
James Benge30 July 2017

Sead Kolasinac is already making his presence felt at Arsenal, according to club captain Per Mertesacker.

The Bosnia-Herzegovina international joined Arsenal on a free transfer earlier in the summer and, on the limited evidence of pre-season, looks to be a shrewd acquisition by manager Arsene Wenger.

The former Schalke defender was named in the Bundesliga 2016-17 team of the year, and is capable of playing left-back in a four man defence or as a wing-back or central defender in the back three Wenger has preferred since the latter weeks of last season.

In his first appearance at his new home - a 5-2 Emirates Cup win against Benfica on Saturday - Kolasinac made quite the impression.

AFP/Getty Images

Dominating the left flank the 24-year-old brought his powerful presence to bear, most notably when he outmuscled Pizzi on the byline before squaring for Theo Walcott to level the scoreline at 1-1.

Mertesacker told Standard Sport: "He is a presence! He fits well into this team. He’s a great character. His physique, yeah he’s massive but also quick.

"Even going forward he looks comfortable, but he can play a deeper role in that back three because he’s got that tactical education from Germany. You can feel that in training. Going forward he plays the clear pass but is still dangerous.

"He never gives up, you know, [you could see it] on that play where Theo scored. He’s a guy that never gives up and a great addition to this team."

Though his ball skills were highly impressive, it was Kolasinac's physique that made an immediate impression on Arsenal supporters.

Standing at six foot tall, he unquestionably adds presence to a defence that has often been accused of lacking strength, Mertesacker aside. But the Arsenal captain warned Kolasinac he must learn how to master his might.

"Just muscle doesn’t work at all, you have to use it well," Mertesacker added. "His physique is quite outstanding for a guy like him."

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Kolasinac’s manager was similarly impressed with his summer signing.

"I think he has gone, in pre-season, from strength to strength," Wenger said. "He started a bit nervous, but every single week he moved his level up and in the last game was already good and today again I think he was influential as well.

"The first two goals came from him. He looks powerful and the timing of his availability going forward was very good."

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