Freddie Ljungberg has claimed that Arsenal youngster Joe Willock is just as fast as Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, when speaking to Sky Sports, during their live Premier League coverage.
Willock has struggled for opportunities at Arsenal this term, but he was given a start against Leeds United last night.
And Ljungberg feels that Willock can develop into an excellent player, if he is given time in Arsenal’s first-team.
“I rate him very highly,” Ljungberg said.
“Of course he is a young player who has a lot to learn, but he needs to play games, to rectify those small mistakes he does within the game.
“If you use him as a box-to-box player he will score goals, and he is just as quick as Aubameyang when he opens up his legs – he’s a very fast player.”
Willock was given plenty of action last term, as he racked up more appearances than any other Arsenal player.
However, the Gunners’ prospect has found it far more difficult to break into Mikel Arteta’s side this time around.
Yesterday’s display was his first Premier League appearance of the season, and he was fairly quiet in the contest.
Arsenal drew 0-0 with Leeds United, despite being outplayed for large periods, with Willock taken off in the second-half.
The 21-year-old has shown his potential in Europe this term though, and may still have a chance of sticking in Arteta’s starting line-up, if Thomas Partey is sidelined for a lengthy period of time.
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