Bielik believes transformation ordered by Wenger will help first-team prospects

Krystian Bielik is convinced he has made the right decision to switch to central defence this season as he chases first team at the Emirates Stadium this season.

The 18-year-old arrived in north London last year from Legia Warsaw, where he was utilised as a holding midfielder.

However, Arsenal assistant boss Steve Bould has been impressed with his performances for both the U21s and also the U18s and has identified him as better suited to playing at the back.

The last player to be switched from midfield into a full-time central defender role in the Arsenal first team was Kolo Toure – and Bielik admits he’s enjoying the role.

The Pole, who is hoping to take advantage of the absences of experienced duo Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny, featured for Arsenal on their tour of the US and played alongside Rob Holding as the Gunners defeated the MLS All Stars.

(Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Despite increased competition in defence following the emergence of Calum Chambers and Holding, Bielik is determined to make his mark this season.

“I played at Legia Warsaw as a defensive midfielder, but sometimes I was an offensive midfielder,” Bielik said.

“Last season, I remember coming to the U21s, and Arsene Wenger told me that from today I would start training as a centre-back.

“They decided they wanted to try me at centre-back, and I started training there. After the first game we played really good, and I felt it was alright. When Arsenal changed my position, I wasn’t very happy because it wasn’t what I loved in football. From a midfielder to a centre-back, it was a big difference for me.

“Now I feel much better, and I feel I can be a really good centre-back.

“When I train with the first team, I feel I’m making really good progress in this position. Compared to three months ago, I have made really good progress. I feel like a really good player now.

“I’m happy if I can play. If I can play in the first team, I can play at left-back or right-back.

“If Mr Wenger sees me at centre-back and thinks I can be better at centre-back than midfielder, I can’t say anything. I just have to train very hard.”