18-year-old Walters joined the Gunners’ ranks in 2020 having left Tottenham’s academy the previous year and has established himself as a regular in the under-21 set up.

The centre-half is still awaiting his senior debut but was included in the squad as an unused substitute nine times last season, also featuring during the pre-season tour of Germany.

Walters will be hoping to make the breakthrough this season with his progress not gone unnoticed.

Speaking on Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube channel, Zinchenko was asked which academy star has the most potential, naming the south Londoner and recalling a moment in training that convinced him of his talent.

‘I like so much centre-back Reuell,’ the Ukraine international said.

‘I think the qualities he has, he is aggressive. I swear to God, one time he pushed Gabriel Jesus in a shoulder-to-shoulder.

Walters hoping to make his senior debut soon (Picture: Getty)

‘It is not easy to push Gabriel because he is very strong, and he was confident on the ball afterwards, he kept the ball well and passed. Wow. He impresses me I think the most.’

In a wide-ranging interview, Zinchenko also named Gunners teammate Thomas Partey as the best defensive midfielder in the Premier League, ahead of Manchester United’s Casemiro and his former Manchester City teammate Rodri.

When asked who he believes is the most underrated player in the Premier League, Zinchenko said: ‘Underrated… I think Thomas Partey.’

Asked if he feels Partey is better than Casemiro, Zinchenko replied: ‘Listen, I don’t want to say something bad, he’s absolutely a world-class player as well, Casemiro, five Champions Leagues. But for me, if you wanted me to choose one, it would be Partey.

‘I had the debate in my head, who is the best holding midfielder I have ever played with. It was between Fernandinho, Rodri and Partey.

‘It’s a tough one. I watched Fernandinho when he was at Shakhtar and he helped me so much. I love him like an older brother, but Thomas Partey… I don’t know.’