Emile Smith Rowe continues to go from strength to strength at Arsenal.
The 21-year-old made a big impact on his return to the first-team fold last season and has continued in a rich vein of form under Mikel Arteta this term.
Smith Rowe has been instrumental in Arsenal's recent run, helping them clock up a 10-game unbeaten streak, including eight victories.
His own performances were rewarded with him finally earning a call-up to the senior England squad by Gareth Southgate, where he scored on his debut in the win over San Marino.
And now ex-Gunners star Bacary Sagna has admitted his own doubts over Smith Rowe's capabilities have been well and truly answered.
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Arsenal handed the Hale End academy graduate the coveted No.10 shirt in the summer, made famous by the likes of Dennis Bergkamp and Mesut Ozil.
It was a high accolade for Smith Rowe, who described the honour as "special", though Sagna was initially concerned about how the youngster might cope.
"He’s been amazing. He’s been impressing me a lot," the former full-back told FreeBets.com, via Metro. "Initially I wasn’t sure about Arsenal giving him the number 10, I thought it was a bit early, but he’s mature for his age and shown he deserves it.
"Sometimes when you have players wearing the No.10, they think they’ve made it already and I was worried about him having too much pressure, and how he would deal with it.
"Playing for Arsenal isn’t easy and with his responsibilities now for the national team, it could be a lot. But he’s been brilliant for the club, in all aspects of the game, he doesn’t hide on the pitch."
Smith Rowe has netted four times for Arsenal already this season in 12 appearances across all competitions, as well as providing two assists.
Boss Arteta declared earlier this month it was "only a matter of time" before Smith Rowe was called upon by his country, after Southgate left him out of his initial selection.
Injuries handed him a chance in the latest squad, though much of his progress could be down to some lifestyle changes he made after advice from Arteta.
Smith Rowe revealed it was largely his diet which needed an overhaul as he cut out Nando's and chocolate, while also hydrating himself better before matches.
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The return of fans into stadiums has also been an added pressure for the youngster, who feels the period of playing without a crowd actually helped him overcome his battle with nerves.
"No fans being there definitely helped me," he said last week.
"I’m always really nervous before the game and not having that pressure of everyone shouting, that helped me a lot. I’m happy with the way things have gone.
"I’m quite surprised, to be honest, that it’s worked out this way. I thought I wouldn’t be as confident as I am at the moment.
"Two seasons ago, just before I went [on loan to RB] Leipzig, it was affecting me. I think now I’m OK.
"It’s mainly in the changing room before the game. That’s when I’m most nervous. I have spoken to some players and they say the same as well."
