Arsenal Reserves coach Neil Banfield believes Ignasi Miquel deserved to be rewarded with first-team action last season after doing so well for the reserves side.

Speaking to Arsenal Player, the Englishman explained that the Spaniard took full advantage of his opportunity to train and learn from the senior players at Arsenal after manager Arsene Wenger opted to play the youngster twice in the F.A. Cup, against Leyton Orient.

Asked what the Frenchman saw in him last season, Banfield explained that the 18-year old has great defending qualities, takes intelligent decisions on the pitch and is very good on the ball, characteristics that fit perfectly for what Wenger needs.

After the 1-1 draw away at Leyton Orient in February, the youngster admitted that there is still for improvement and that his objective is to be on the bench on a regular basis hoping to have more first-team opportunities next season.

On Miquel, Banfield said:

He’s done ever so well, he trained with [Arsene Wenger] who watched him and decided yes, he can trust him, he could play him. It’s the first step, it’s a taste for him, he’s still developing within next season and he knows his schedule and what’s in place for him.

Part of that is breaking into the first team – obviously – but there’s a work in progress for him to develop, to become a top player at Arsenal and he knows where he is at the moment.

[What Arsene Wenger saw in him?] I think his defending qualities, his intelligence as a defender, his athleticism and he’s good on the ball.

He’s everything that Arsenal requires and Arsene did require, to be an Arsenal player.