(The Wonder Of Youth) (Kris Olsson)

Firstly Kris, I must ask, When did you find out you were playing in the Tournament at St. Mary’s?

On Friday, straight after training.

Who told you, you were playing?

Neil Barnfield.

Being called up to the First Team at only 17 years old, how did that make you feel?

I was surprised and nervous but after a while I was alright, but of course I felt proud of myself and I was looking forward to it!

As well as that you were being Managed by Arsene Wenger, what was that like?

(Laughs) It was ‘sick’ (Great).

Did he have any words of advice for you?

No. not really. Just good luck and things like that.

Along side Arsene Wenger was Steve Bould who you have worked with this season. Did that make you feel more comfortable?

Yeah, It was good as I know him and he knows me. I felt calm and it felt good that he was there. I really like him.

The game itself, what was it like playing in a Premier League ground in front of packed crowd?

It was unbelievable, I’ve never seen such a big crowd. It made me feel more motivated, and in the future I want to play in front of bigger crowds than that!

As well as that you were playing alongside some First Team regulars, what was the like?

It was unreal, but it’s also easier to play along side better players if you know what I mean, so yeah it was a good experience.

On Saturday you were wearing the Number 17 shirt, worn in the First Team by Alex Song. How does your style of play compare to his?

(Laughs) We are not really similar, we both play in midfield although we both have different style of play.

You mentioned earlier you wanted to play in bigger stadiums. What are your aspirations for the coming season?

For me, this season I want to play for the reserves after a few weeks or months.

Of course many people forget how young you are after achieving so much, how easy has it been to adopt to life at Arsenal and play so well?

In the beginning it was difficult to be away from home,  my family and my friends but now I’m used to it and this is what I want. This is my dream and I want to achieve my targets and dreams now!

As you said earlier you have played with some great players. But who is the best player you have played against?

Don’t know, I’ve never played against the First Team and never trained with them. So for me it is very hard to answer that question!

It is well documented that as a child in Sweden you received great interest from clubs around Europe, what made you choose Arsenal?

It’s a great club. One of the biggest clubs in the world. The best club to develop as a player and if you are good The Boss gives you a chance. The facilities are amazing and I love the way Arsenal play good football. So, why not Arsenal?

Finally Kris, What message do you have for the loyal Arsenal fans who followed the team last season and last Saturday when you made your debut against Southampton?

I would like to say thank you for all your support so far and all the support you gave the team last year was the best! One day I hope I will make you really happy…

…. and by that I mean really happy!

Everyone at The Wonder Of Youth would like to thank Kris Olsson for allowing us to interview him and wish him all the best for the future.

You can follow both @WonderOfYouth and @KrisOlsson on twitter.