Former Gunner Rami Shaaban says Mohamed Elneny is a “perfect fit” for Arsenal.
The Egypt international has impressed since joining the club in January, scoring against Barcelona in the Champions League and playing a starring role in the recent victory against Everton.
Elneny is the first Egyptian to play competitively for Arsenal, and Shaaban - whose father was Egyptian - admits he has been surprised by how quickly the 23-year-old has settled.
"I think he’s going to fit the club perfectly and listening to what the boss says about him as well only makes me more convinced"
Rami Shaaban
“Coming from where he has, taking that step from Basel to Arsenal, can be challenging,” Shaaban told Arsenal.com. “But some people manage to do it really well and he has definitely adapted.
“Looking at Egyptian players historically, there have been some amazing talents but only a few have been able to take that step. I think that Mohamed Elneny will be one of them. I think he’s going to fit the club perfectly and listening to what the boss says about him as well only makes me more convinced.
“Football is like a religion for Egyptians, especially with the tough times in Egypt at the moment. I remember when I went to Egypt. It was like a superstar had arrived at the airport. For me it was a shock.
“You can’t compare that with Sweden. In Egypt, they really praise their stars. He has really adapted and I hope he gets more and more time. But it will take time. I hope he can make that step to be a regular and become something really big at Arsenal.”
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