Oleksandr Zinchenko believes Reuell Walters has the most potential in the Arsenal academy
Arsenal left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko has claimed that Reuell Walters has the most potential in the Hale End academy.
The likes of Ethan Nwaneri and James Sweet have been the most impressive players in the youth squads this term, but the Ukraine international believes the 18-year-old defender should not be overlooked.
Walters joined Arsenal from the Tottenham Hotspur academy in 2020 and has been a regular for the under-21s for a while.
Zinchenko is tipping the defender for great things and was full of praise for him on the Rio Ferdinand Presents Five YouTube channel.
“I like so much centre-back Reuell,” the Arsenal star replied when asked who has the most potential from the academy.
“I think the qualities he has, he is aggressive. I swear to God, one time he pushed Gabriel Jesus in a shoulder to shoulder. It is not easy to push Gabriel because he is very strong, and he was confident on the ball afterwards, he kept the ball well and passed. Wow. He impresses me the most.”
Walters featured in the pre-season tour of the United States last season and was named in the first-team matchday squads for the 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace in March and the 4-1 victory over Leeds United in April.
While his main position for Arsenal’s youth team is as a right-back, Walters can play anywhere across the back four and has made three appearances for the England under-19s having played five times for the under-18s.
He has been training regularly with the first-team this season and could get a chance to make his official debut in the coming months if he keeps impressing.
Arsenal are without Jurrien Timber at the moment after the Netherlands international sustained a long-term injury, while Rob Holding and Nuno Tavares could both follow Kieran Tierney out of the door in the coming days.
Walters could be given an opportunity during the cup games, and it will be interesting to see if he will break into the senior team anytime soon given the fierce competition available for playing chances in the position.
