Arsenal legend Martin Keown hopes youngster Joe Willock will remain patient in his quest to play regularly for the club.
The England under-21 star has been involved with the first team since manager Mikel Arteta took over.
But he has mostly played in the Europa League this term, and wants more game time in the Premier League.
Keown told BT Sport: "I just think at the moment the thing that is going against him is the shape. They want to play two with Elneny and Partey in that midfield.
"Then Arsenal play with a five and it looks like those two look strong enough to control that midfield.
"If he wants a third player and he wants to change that system again then Willock has to come into his thinking. Whereas before that, no. But I think now he's played his way into that mindset for the manager.
"If he wants to change that system again to play three midfielders he's got to be one of the first on the list. Arteta is trying to build a new culture and what better way to do it than with young players through the academy who understand what it means to be an Arsenal player to come through the system.
"You're young, you dream of being an Arsenal player. I came through with the likes of Adams and Rocastle I think there's a love for the club and it's nice to be able to tease that out keep that within the group.
"Willcok, we have to be able to work out a pathway for him to be able to get into that first team. If he has to go out on loan then fair enough but for now he's not far away from getting it right."
