Arsène Wenger is convinced Krystian Bielik has all the attributes to become a Premier League defender, now he just needs to build up playing time.
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The 18-year-old Pole joined Arsenal as a midfielder in January 2015, but has since been converted to a central defender - where he made his first ever start for the first team in that position in the MLS All-Star match on Friday.
"He has all the ingredients of a top-level centre back," the manager said in his press conference ahead of Monday's friendly against Chivas. "He’s missing one thing - experience in this position.
"I converted him to a centre back because I felt he could play the type of football we want to play as a centre back.
"Most of the time this is a position for experienced players, because every mistake in the Premier League you pay for with a goal."
Bielik made his Arsenal first team in the Capital One Cup last season, but played most of his football for the youth teams, captaining the under-21 side.
"What I try to achieve this season with him is to work on his positional play and give him some games," Wenger added.
"If in December he’s not ready, I will try to get him to play somewhere (on loan)."
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