Arsenal’s academy coaches made club history by signing up the youngest player in their history. This is after they signed four-year-old Zayn Ali Salman. His father was full of praise, stating that he wasn’t surprised by his son’s evolution. He also revealed how they had turned down offers from other clubs.
Salman’s father remembered when the young boy was born, and the nurse showed him to his father, and he lifted his head to look around. According to the father, even the nurse was surprised at how strong the boy was.
Suppose you are not a football fan, you might not understand all this hype around Salman means. Well, football can be more interesting if you focus on more than just the games. To get some ideas, click now for tips on how to make football interesting, especially if you are not a fan. But, if you are a fan, keep reading to find out about this new wonder kid on the block.
Too Young To Go Pro?
Even though Salman has had remarkable achievements, there are still voices that are critical about the professionalization of football at such a tender age. But, his father believes that he is different from his peers.
Moreover, the Gunners are not bothered about his age; they believe he has lots of potential. His coach, Austin Schofield, also believes that he advanced for his age.
The coach stated that they put Salman with his peers, but he was better than them all. For instance, Schofield noted that the young talent could pass and score better than his peers. As a result, the coach suggested that they play him up, and the father agreed with the idea.
His talent caught the eye of Arsenal’s talent scout, Stephen Deans. The Arsenal scout claimed that, “Salman was doing things kids his age aren’t supposed to be doing. After he saw him, Deans called a friend who confirmed that the boy was four years old. Although he couldn’t believe that the young talent was still in nursery, he talked with his parents, who allowed him to go for a few sessions.”
After the sessions, the coaches agreed that he was not a fluke. Moreover, Salman keeps his cool among the praises, and he likes donning the shirt of his favorite club.
Little Messi
Lil Messi made history by becoming the youngest ever player to join Arsenal. The young talent was discovered thanks to Social Media videos showcasing his excellent ball control and skills, which went viral. It is these skills that earned him the title “Little Messi,” in comparison to iconic football star Lionel Messi.
Salman already has over 13000 followers on his Instagram handle, showing how popular he is despite his age.
Arsenal Academy Graduates
Salman will follow in the footsteps of other Arsenal Academy graduates who went on to represent their club at the top level. At the moment, Bukayo Saka is the shining star of Arsenal’s Academy. The 19-year-old is one of the best budding talents in the world. He has developed into a lethal winger who scores and creates chances for his teammates whenever he plays.
His achievements saw him earn a spot to represent England at the Euros. He has played 68 matches for the Gunners and scored seven goals, and made nine assists.
Another player who rose from the Arsenal Academy and went on to become a top player is Serge Gnabry. The former academy player has been one of the best players globally and the top 5 in the Bundesliga.
The only downside is that Arsenal might have released him too early because they let him go after only ten games. He played for West Brom, Werder Bremen before he was snapped by German giants Bayern Munich in 2017.
Thenceforth, he has been a key player for Bayern Munich in their recent successes. All is not lost as the Academy is still producing top talent. This season, exciting talents are knocking on Arteta’s door for a spot in the first team.
Emile Smith Rowe has cemented his place in the first-team. Others who are likely to make it to the first team include Charlie Patino. The youngster is 17 and is already regarded as the club’s most incredible talent for his age. The left-footed youngster is predominantly a central midfielder, and his playing style is similar to that of Jack Wilshere.
Another youngster Arteta could consider is Kido Taylor-Hart, who recently signed his first pro contract. Kido, 18, made his breakthrough into the under-23 team last season, where he scored four goals in 13 appearances. He prefers the left wing but can do well in any of the attacking positions.
Finally, Omari Giraud-Hutchinson is another young prospect likely to make it to the first team this season. He is regarded as the most technically gifted youngster in the Academy. At 17, he has his whole future ahead of him.
Bottom Line
Looking at the history of Arsenal’s Academy, it is correct to conclude that Salman is in the right place. If he keeps his head down and develops himself, he will have an exciting footballing future. All the best, Lil Messi!
