Ainsley Maitland-Niles has said that Sead Kolasinac is a nightmare to play against.

The 20-year-old, who plays as a winger, central midfielder or even as a wing-back apparently, would have come up against the Bosnian in training. He has quickly discovered what a tank Kolasinac is.

“Sead’s been like that since he came in, in the first day in training and every session, he works hard – 100 per cent,” he told Arsenal Player.

“He’s a nightmare to play against! He’s so strong physically, he’s very clever and he reads the game very well. He’s hard to play against but it makes you a better player, playing against him.”

Kolasinac has already endeared himself to the Arsenal supporters with his aggressive style of play.

He’s already gone on marauding runs forward and has demonstrated he can produce in the final third.

While he’s a very determined and strong player, he hasn’t been reckless. He looks to stay on his feet while defending and get his considerable frame between player and ball, rather than just clean them out.

It’s easy to see how such a strong yet smart player would be very difficult to play against.

Kolasinac signed for Arsenal on a free transfer in the summer. He made his first team debut in the Community Shield against Chelsea, coming on a sub for Per Mertesacker. He headed in the equaliser that set-up the penalty shoot-out, which Arsenal won.

He also scored in last Thursday’s Europa League game against Cologne, rifling in a volley to draw Arsenal level on the night.