Reuell Walters: Oleksandr Zinchenko hails Arsenal youngster’s potential

18-year-old Reuell Walters has been making waves in the Arsenal academy since joining the club in 2020, and now teammate Oleksandr Zinchenko has praised the defender’s potential.

Walters left Tottenham’s academy the previous year and has since established himself as a regular in the under-21 set up. He was included in the senior squad as an unused substitute nine times last season, and also featured during the pre-season tour of Germany.

Speaking on Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube channel, Zinchenko was asked which academy star has the most potential, naming the south Londoner and recalling a moment in training that convinced him of his talent.

Zinchenko’s Praise for Walters

‘I like so much centre-back Reuell,’ the Ukraine international said. ‘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 I think the most.’

Walters will be hoping to make the breakthrough this season with his progress not gone unnoticed. In a wide-ranging interview, Zinchenko also named Gunners teammate Thomas Partey as the best defensive midfielder in the Premier League, ahead of Manchester United’s Casemiro and his former Manchester City teammate Rodri.

Partey Named Most Underrated Player

When asked who he believes is the most underrated player in the Premier League, Zinchenko said: ‘Underrated… I think Thomas Partey.’ Asked if he feels Partey is better than Casemiro, Zinchenko replied: ‘Listen, I don’t want to say something bad, he’s absolutely a world-class player as well, Casemiro, five Champions Leagues. But for me, if you wanted me to choose one, it would be Partey.

‘I had the debate in my head, who is the best holding midfielder I have ever played with. It was between Fernandinho, Rodri and Partey. It’s a tough one. I watched Fernandinho when he was at Shakhtar and he helped me so much. I love him like an older brother, but Thomas Partey… I don’t know.’

Walters’ Senior Debut Imminent?

Walters will be hoping to make his senior debut soon and with Zinchenko’s praise ringing in his ears, it could be sooner rather than later. The 18-year-old defender has already shown enough promise to suggest that he could be a star of the future for Arsenal.

In the meantime, Zinchenko has made his own mark at Arsenal, having joined from Manchester City in 2020. He has become an integral part of Mikel Arteta’s side and his comments about Walters are sure to be taken seriously by the Gunners boss.

For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.