Sead Kolasinac is the perfect fit for Arsenal, according to former Schalke sporting director Gerhard Zubar.

The Bosnian signed for Arsenal on a free transfer this summer and it already looks like he could have an important role to play this season.

So far this pre-season, Kolasinac has played as a left-sided centre back and as a left wing-back. His versatility and ability to adapt to the vastly different requirements of being a wing-back are one the reasons Arsenal signed him.

Former Schalke sporting director Gerhard Zubar believes it’s Kolasinac’s character that allows him to be so adaptable. “I know him very well,” he told Sky Sports. “Sead was one of the players that I knew from when we were at VfB Stuttgart.

“We drafted him from the Under-17 team at VfB Stuttgart and took him to the Under-19 team at Schalke 04. I loved him because we always thought he had the spirit and all the skills required to be successful in the left-back position.

“If you play with three defenders he can play on the left side of the three,.”He also did a good job on the left wing for Schalke last season. He can play as a No.6 in midfield or even as a central defender. He is a multi-functional player.”

You wouldn’t describe Kolasinac as the archetypal Arsenal signing. His bulky frame looks out in a place in team of wiry, skillful players. Just by looking at him, you expect to see a no-nonsense defender who’s strong in the challenge.

Zubar backs this up by saying that Kolasinac fights for everything. “He was one of the most important players in the Schalke team because the qualities he has are very special,” he added.

“He is always full of emotion, willing to get every ball and very good without the ball. He is the sort of person who every coach wants to have in his team. He gives 100 per cent in every game and that’s why the fans at Schalke 04 loved him.”

While Arsenal have high standards, a fully determined player that fights for everything is one that will endear himself very quickly with the supporters. Zubar believes that the Premier League is the perfect place to showcase his talents.

“This is the correct step and Arsenal are a very good team for him. I always said to him that if he had the chance to go the UK then he had to go because with his mentality, the way the game is played in the Premier League is perfect for him.

“Arsene Wenger will have a lot of fun with him. He will continue to improve and go on to play a big role, believe me.”