Sead Kolasinac reveals the two things that have helped him settle so quickly at Arsenal

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Sead Kolasinac became an instant fan favourite on his Arsenal debut, scoring a thumping header against Chelsea that drew his side level in the Community Shield before they went to win on penalties.

That, added to his marauding runs down the left-wing and no nonsense attitude to tackling, means the Bosnian defender has all the hallmarks of cult hero-in-waiting.

But the 24-year-old, who arrived on a free transfer from Schalke this summer, has revealed that it may not have been such a smooth start had it not been for the German-speaking contingent at the club.

“What made things easier [when I arrived] was that I had a lot of players here with whom I could speak to in German,” Kolasinac told the club’s official website.

“There are a few players who have helped me with things like where to live, where to go out in the evening. The team have really helped me.”

The German-born left-back also revealed a second key influence in the shape of Granit Xhaka, who spent four seasons playing against him in the Bundesliga for Borussia Monchengladbach.

“After I signed, Granit sent me a message and that pleased me,” Kolasinac added.

“It made it easier to come here because you get to a new club and don’t know anyone, which makes it exciting and nerve-wracking.

“It was nice to have had contact with him before and I was happy that he sent me a message. I’ve had contact with him over WhatsApp since, and it definitely made things easier for me.

“We’ve played against each other a few times [in the past]. They were always fiery encounters against him!

"He played in the No.6 role and I think the last time I played against him, we unfortunately lost. But after he left, we won against Gladbach again.”

It is not only teammates and fans who have taken to Kolasinac quickly, but also his manager.

“He has the force of an animal, certainly,” Arsene Wenger said in a press conference on Wednesday, reflecting on comments made by Theo Walcott earlier this week.

“But I just think that Kolasinac is a good player and that he has an attitude that is suited to the Premier League.

“That means he is determined, he is aggressive and forceful and wants to play. In our club that is vital.

“Every time we win the ball we want to play and he is available to play.”