The season has only just started but it already seems clear that Maalik Hashi is one of the standout players in the U18 squad.
Hashi, a creative midfielder, received much attention last season for his performances at U16 level, while he also featured for the U18s and made his U21s debut while he was still a schoolboy.
Now a full-time scholar, Hashi enjoyed an excellent pre-season which encompassed him scoring twice for the U21s against senior opponents in Boreham Wood and St. Albans.
Hashi has also been amongst the goals for the U18s so far this campaign as he scored against Norwich and Southampton, which included a superb free-kick in the latter fixture.
The youngster, who turns 17 today, is a very skilful player and has an encouraging directness about his game. He is also effective at winning back possession.
As the campaign progresses it wouldn’t be a surprise if Hashi was involved at higher levels, with game time for the U19s and the U21s a possibility.
Hashi is certainly one to watch and the way in which he has started the season has been hugely encouraging.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird