Photos from Arsenal’s first team training sessions over the past few days at London Colney have revealed an exciting talent battling for the ball with the senior players.
With the first team players off to international duty, the coaching team had a chance to summon the academy players and test their strengths.
As we observed on Arsenal’s official website, five youngsters: Josh Ogunnaike, Zac Shuaib, Dan Casey, Maalik Hashi, and Max Kuczynski were called for training.
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Among those, Casey is a player who looked very promising due to his performances for the U21s and U18s. He was seen marking new loan signing Raheem Sterling at the Shobha Realty Training Centre in the training video released by the club.
Who is Arsenal’s new versatile starlet Dan Casey?
The 17-year-old primarily plays for the Gunner’s U18 side and has scored one goal in two PL games for the youth outfit this season.
Casey has scored eight goals in just seven starts for the U18 side. The English star scored a hattrick in their recent 3-3 victory over West Bromwich Albion.
He signed a scholarship with the North London outfit last year and has continued to inspire those at the club with his all-rounder skills.
He can operate as an attacking midfielder, a central midfielder, but is mainly used as a false nine or a winger. The English midfielder has a knack to pounce on the loose balls and score goals from several positions.
Dan Casey has scored 8 goals, only making 7 starts, since his introduction to Arsenal’s U18s. The 17-year-old is best deployed as an attacking midfielder, but can play as a false 9 or box-to-box. He has a knack for popping up in the box and thrashing loose balls on net. pic.twitter.com/uYnJbJDhkq
— Will Balsam (@willbalsam) September 5, 2024
Youth team expert Jeorge Bird has labelled him as an ‘excellent dribbler’ as well. Casey can drop deep when needed and dictate play in the centre of the field.
The academy talent revealed the name of his idol at Arsenal. He said that he loves watching Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka.
“I love the way Odegaard plays as a creator, and I love Bukayo Saka too”
Playing at higher levels will give him quality experience, as he is set to feature for Arsenal’s U18s in the UEFA Youth League.
The Englishman also participated for the U21s and scored a goal for them in the pre-season friendly against Enfield Town.
Arsenal U21 coach Mehmet Ali is very happy with Casey’s resurgence and might pitch his name to first team coach Mikel Arteta.
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The youngster could secure his first professional contract soon if he continues to move in an upward trajectory.
