Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal youngster Jeff Rene-Adelaide is 'something special'

Arsene Wenger has heaped praise on Arsenal youngster Jeff Rene-Adelaide following the 17-year-old's performance against Lyon in their first game at the Emirates Cup on Saturday.

The Frenchman came in as a late second half substitute and should have had an assist when he teed up Chuba Akpom with proficiency in the final third. Akpom hit the post, but the youngster did not look out of place, playing alongside more experienced individuals.

The Gunners also gave Alex Iwobi his first taste of football at the Emirates in front of a packed crowd and the youngster did not disappoint, as he scored a goal and had one disallowed for offside.

Wenger has seen the likes of Hector Bellerin and Jack Wilshere come out of his youth setup in recent times and revealed that he is excited by the prospect of seeing them grow in the near future.

The Gunners smashed Lyon 6-0 with goals coming from Olivier Giroud, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Iwobi, Aaron Ramsey, Mesut Ozil and Santi Cazorla. The north London club will face Wolfsburg on 26 July, before taking on Chelsea in the Community Shield next weekend.

"Rene-Adelaide is something special you know. He is a great talent and when he came on you could see that - 17 years old let's not forget that. In fact I don't remember how I played at 17 but I didn't play like that!" Wenger told Arsenal's official website.

"I like Alex Iwobi. Good attitude, efficient player. Maybe not so flashy but he understands the game. He is very efficient and works for the team.

"Akpom had chances. Isaac Hayden can play too. It is good we have these types of games as we see our young players.

"It is exciting to work with these players. You can imagine how they will look in two or three years for the club. That is always exciting," the Arsenal manager said.