Marcelo Flores reveals story behind Palace inclusion and what working with Arteta is really like

It's becoming a familiar sight to see Marcelo Flores flying through the air at the moment. With five goals in just 11 under-23 appearances this season, and two nations fighting publicly to secure his commitment at international level, the 18-year-old has plenty of attention on him, but his trademark somersault celebration adds an even more eyecatching element to his game.

The seconds between him leaving the ground and landing back down safely are enough to send the hearts of those watching firmly up into the back of their mouths, but for Flores, the front flip is a crucial outlet to express his personality on the pitch.

"I first moved (to the UK from Canada) six years ago and while I was here I played for Ipswich, and while I was doing that I was doing a lot of football training outside, but also my school friends were gymnasts and they used to parkour and stuff like that, so I always used to hang around with them and do it as well," he tells in an exclusive interview when asked to explain the origins of his celebration.

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"I’ve always been able to flip and do those things but those two years of me doing football and grinding agility work and parkour work outside football helped me a lot. I stopped after I became professional but I try to bring some of that still here."

The risk inherent in the somersault is symptomatic of the way the 18-year-old plays the game. While many players at youth level are indecisive and fearful of taking responsibility, Flores seems to relish the prospect.

Under the lights of the Emirates Stadium on Friday night the left winger is up against Leeds right-back Jamie Shackleton, a player with 26 Premier League