VIDEO: Elneny impressive performance against Burnley

Mohamed Elneny, the 23-year-old who signed from Basel this January, made his debut for Arsenal on Saturday afternoon.

Wenger used this fourth round tie to give Alexis Sanchez his first start since his return from a hamstring injury and to blood new signing Mohamed Elneny. Both were impressive performers.

It wasn’t quite Jean Tigana; but Arsenal’s latest recruit Mohamed Elneny certainly has something about him.

Arsene Wenger compared the Egyptian midfielder to the France legend during his weekly press briefing on Friday.

The £5million capture from Basle was handed his Gunners debut in the 2-1 FA Cup fourth round win against Burnley.

And the 23-year-old showed enough to suggest he’ll have a role to play for Arsene Wenger during the season climax.

His game still needs fine tuning, of course, but his first experience of English football was promising without being spectacular.

VIDEO: Elneny debut for Arsenal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42eStFPzWaY

Slowly, though, Elneny composed himself as his influence on proceedings grew.

He was heavily involved in two Arsenal attacks late in the first-half; at one point finding himself exchanging passes with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on the right-wing.

Indeed, Elneny showed a willingness to break from midfield to join in attack on numerous occasions throughout the afternoon.

Whether he’ll have the licence to make those forward runs giants better opposition remains to be seen; but Elneny certainly looks as comfortable in trying to score as he is in preventing a goal at his own end.