Former Arsenal manager Unai Emery believes that Dani Ceballos will become a vital player for the Gunners when the football season resumes.

The 23-year-old has suffered mixed fortunes since arriving at the Emirates on a season-long loan deal from Real Madrid, chalking up one goal and two assists from 24 appearances across all competitions.

Nevertheless, Emery, who was sacked from his Gunners post in November, is backing the midfielder to show his true potential when it is safe to play again.

Speaking to AS, Emery said: "Dani is a player who has excellent qualities and an incredible mentality - he wants to succeed. For Arsenal it was a great market opportunity.

"He played with me, then he was injured and he was out for a long time, he has recovered and now, when the league resumes, he will certainly demonstrate his qualities again."

Ceballos is due to return to Madrid when his loan deal expires in June, but Arsenal are said to be confident of keeping hold of the Spaniard until the season reaches a conclusion.