Arsenal's Rob Holding is 'very northern' - but he isn't out of his comfort zone at the Gunners, insists Jack Wilshere

New man about town: Rob Holding
David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Sam Long18 August 2016

New Arsenal signing Rob Holding may never have been to London before he joined the Gunners but he isn't out of his comfort zone at the Emirates Stadium, according to Jack Wilshere.

The 20-year-old defender was plucked from relative obscurity by Arsene Wenger earlier this summer, having made 26 appearances for Bolton Wanderers in the Championship last season.

And Holding was thrown in at the deep end when he made his debut in last weekend's Premier League defeat to Liverpool due to a defensive crisis that has left Wenger short of options.

While top-flight football is a new experience for Holding so too is life in the capital and Wilshere has been helping his teammate settle into his unfamiliar surroundings.

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"That sums him up really [that he had never been to London]. He is very northern!" Wilshere told the club's official website.

“He’s only 20 years old and he’s come down from Bolton on his own, so he has to get used to living in London.

"That’s why I have been talking to him, to help him settle.

"He comes from the same area as Danny Welbeck so him and Danny have become quite close as well."

However, although Holding could need time to adjust to life down south Wilshere is adamant the England-Under 21 international is already up to speed on the pitch.

“I think if you look on the pitch, he doesn’t look out of his comfort zone.

"He is a natural, he is confident on the ball and he wants to play and I think that is the Arsenal way. He is a great addition to the squad and one for the future as well," Wilshere added.

Holding is expected to start Arsenal's clash with Leicester this weekend as Wenger is still without both Gabriel Paulista and Per Mertesacker, while doubts also remain in regards to Laurent Koscielny's fitness.

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