Gedion Zelalem is pleased with his on pitch partnership with Ainsley Maitland-Niles this season and revealed that the youth team try to emulate the senior squad during their matches.

Speaking to Arsenal Player after the u23’s 0-0 draw against Southampton on Friday, the midfielder spoke about Maitland-Niles, how they’ve been playing together since the age of 15/16 and how the team as a whole are performing well.

He went on to explain how the youth squad are trying to draw inspiration from the older players since they see them in training everyday.

“It’s not just me and Ainsley, the whole team is part of that, with the wingers coming into midfield and connecting, playing one-twos – that’s what Arsenal is all about,” Zelalem said.

“We try to emulate the first team doing that, watching them every day, so we’re definitely pleased with the performance.”

Our youth squad players are tremendously lucky to train in the same place as Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez, Petr Cech and… basically the entire first team. Not only do they get to see them in action up close and potentially take away tips but they can ask for advice.

LEIGH, GREATER MANCHESTER - OCTOBER 05: Amara Conde of Germany is closed down by Gedion Zelalem of USA during the Under 20s Four Nations Tournament match between Germany and the United States at Leigh Sports Village Stadium on October 5, 2016 in Leigh, Greater Manchester. (Photo by Mark Robinson/Getty Images)
LEIGH, GREATER MANCHESTER – OCTOBER 05: Amara Conde of Germany is closed down by Gedion Zelalem of USA during the Under 20s Four Nations Tournament match between Germany and the United States at Leigh Sports Village Stadium on October 5, 2016 in Leigh, Greater Manchester. (Photo by Mark Robinson/Getty Images)

In fact, Maitland-Niles recently admitted than he often asks Mesut Ozil for advice and he sees the German as a mentor.