Scroll through any of our social media channels this week and one theme in particular remained constant: praise for Sead Kolasinac.
The defender produced a commanding display when making his competitive debut against Chelsea in last week’s Community Shield, and marked the performance by becoming our first player since Sanchez Watt in 2009 to score on his first appearance.
Fans have nicknamed Kolasinac ‘The Tank’ in light of his combative style, sending us a series of GIFs and pictures depicting the Bosnian. We showed them him at the training ground this week - and he loved them.
“I’ve seen some photos on Instagram which fans have edited, and I found them really funny,” he told Arsenal Player. “I’m happy to have had such a good start here.
“In Bosnia they call me that [The Tank] too! I’m happy to have such a cool nickname.”
Kolasinac was delighted to equalise in the Community Shield.
“It’s an indescribable feeling,” he said. “I think that’s why we play football and I believe that’s what characterises the sport.
“You enjoy it when you run out, especially at somewhere like Wembley and it’s sold out with over 80,000 fans there. That’s something very special and that’s the dream of every footballer.
“That’s why you work so hard, to experience moments like that.”
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