Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that he "had a hesitation" about using Sead Kolasinac in the Community Shield clash with Chelsea but is delighted that he took the risk to do so.
The Germany international was brought on as a first-half sub for the injured Per Mertesacker, having initially been left out of the starting lineup at Wembley Stadium.
Wenger's fears that free signing Kolasinac would take a while to adapt to the demands of English football proved unfounded, though, as he produced a stellar display when introduced and scored a late goal to take the game to penalties.
Speaking after seeing his side pick up a 4-1 win in the shootout, Wenger told reporters: "He came on well. He is normally a wing-back, full-back but he can as well play as a centre-back.
"He had a very interesting performance last week and I had a hesitation about playing him from the start because I thought maybe Wembley with the pressure - but when he came on he was outstanding. He is physical, very strong, naturally. You have players who are pumped up in the gym and you have players who are born strong.
"He is the second part. In the Premier League the power plays a part but it is not only that. I took him too because of attitude. The game does not tolerate as many weaknesses as it did 20 years ago. You need the combination of talent and attitude. He looks to me like he has the talent but also has a very strong attitude."
Kolasinac arrived at Arsenal from Schalke 04 at the start of the summer, boasting more than a hundred games' experience with the German club.
Daniel Lewis
