Arsenal centre-back Konstantinos Mavropanos starts for Gunners in Under-23 clash against Manchester United
The 20-year-old - signed from Greek side PAS Giannina this month - will be looking to make an impression against the Red Devils
JANUARY signing Konstantinos Mavropanos will get his first taste of English football after being included in the starting line-up for Arsenal's U-23's clash with Manchester United at Meadow Park.
The 20-year-old has been on the first team bench against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup, as well as sitting in the dugout during the 2-1 defeat against Bournemouth.
But the Greek centre-back will now be looking to shine against United in the Premier League 2 fixture, and force his way into contention under Arsene Wenger.
After being labelled as "a Greek boy who looks quite good in training," by his boss, the former PAS Giannina ace has won over the Frenchman.
He was due to be sent to Bundesliga side Werder Bremen on loan until the end of the season following his £2million switch.
But he will now stay in North London, with Wenger left impressed by his qualities.
He said of Mavropanos: "I personally want to keep him until May to know him better, to assess his level.
"The first signs he showed in training were so encouraging that I decided to keep him."
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Greece currently boast the likes of star defenders Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Kostas Manolas, and Wenger sees no reason why Mavropanos cannot be on their level in the coming future.
He added: "Greece is a fantastic sporting country. Their basketball and football is absolutely amazing. They have a real knowledge of team sport and they produce fantastic players.
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"He can be one of them from what I've seen, if he develops well. Let's hope he will develop into a great player in the future for Greece."
Mavropanos will be joined by the likes of Joe Willock, Reiss Nelson, Matt Macey, Jeff Reine-Adelaide and Eddie Nketiah in the starting XI to face the Red Devils.