Alex Iwobi says he expected Arsene Wenger to send him out on loan rather than give him a regular spot in the Arsenal lineup this season.
The 20-year-old has started eight of 11 games for the Gunners in the Premier League while also playing in the Champions League.
But after only making his first-team debut a year ago, Iwobi said he's trying to make the most of his surprise opportunities.
"Honestly I didn't expect to be where I am today," Iwobi told Arsenal Player.
"I thought a long time ago that I'd be on loan and probably get experience there before having experience in the first team, but the fact that the boss trusted me to jump into the first team as quick as I did, I'm just grateful for it.
"The same way I was able to break into it is the same way that I take the chance now.
"I play like it's almost like my last game, I treat it like it's my last moment here, so I do my best and I always put 100 percent into whatever I do."
Iwobi also said that he understands that he is constantly competing for his spot.
"If you don't do as well as you think you could've done, there's other players, other international, great players, that can just step in," he said. "So you just have to take the chance all the time and do your best when the time comes.
"The big thing is you need to stay fit and always need to give it your all. I mean, you've got to have the right attitude, you've got to be mentally prepared for whatever happens.
"Not everything is going to be smooth sailing for you so you've got to be prepared for all conditions."