Arsenal youngster is impressing for Birmingham City.
Preston North End’s Tom Barkhuizen and Birmingham City’s Krystian Bielik in action
Birmingham City boss Gianfranco Zola has praised Arsenal teenager Krystian Bielik for the positive early impression he has made at the club.
Bielik signed on loan in January until the end of the season, two years after moving to Arsenal from Legia Warsaw.
He has been slowly introduced into the Birmingham side by Zola, making one start and one substitute appearance.
In his 125 minutes of action, Bielik has made a strong impression, playing at centre-back in the position where he has played most of his football in Arsenal’s academy.
Speaking to Birmingham’s club website, Zola said: “A lot of people may have been surprised how good he was, but not me or my coaches.
“From the very first day we saw his personality and ability and the way he’s so calm with the ball.
“So far he’s played the whole game against Preston and the 35 minutes the other day. But even against Preston after the first 20 minutes he was very good and got better and better so I know I can rely on him.
“And amongst the other players he’s getting a lot of respect.”
Bielik could be in line for another opportunity this evening when Birmingham face fourth placed Leeds United.
The 19-year-old is a physically imposing player but could have his work cut out against prolific Leeds striker Chris Wood, who has netted 20 league goals this season.
Birmingham are in 14th place, and after a tough start under Gianfranco Zola, have won two of their last five matches.
Birmingham manager Gianfranco Zola
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