A fresh report highlights Arsenal academy as the 2nd best place for youth development. The Gunners are just behind the top spot.
Arsenal academy proving their youth system works
Academy football in England is always under the scanner. A new study from Training Ground offers some answers by ranking clubs based on academy graduates.
Arsenal have landed second place, showing that the talent pipeline in north London is far from broken. There have been doubts about opportunities at the Emirates. But, the rise of Max Dowman at just 15 years old silenced plenty of critics.
Alongside him, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly are already getting nods from Mikel Arteta. That suggests the Gunners aren’t just bringing in prospects but trusting them with minutes when it matters.
Saka leads the way for the new gen
If you think of Arsenal’s youth academy, the first name that comes to mind is Bukayo Saka. He is not only a product of the youth system, he is a great example of what the system can produce. His talent has seen the Gunners through tough times. He shows that the academy can produce world-class stars.
Meanwhile, Reiss Nelson, Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe probably never settled at the north London side properly. But, they have careers in London with Brentford, Palace and Fulham. So, it shows the reach of the academy.
The analysis reports how many players are seen growing across professional football. In that sense, Arsenal’s ranking is no luck. It talks about a system that regularly shapes players for the big stage.
Author’s Opinion:
Arsenal finishing second is no surprise. The club works on producing top talent with giving youngsters a genuine shot at first-team football. If head coach Mikel Arteta keeps the pathway open, the north London side could soon be regarded as the very best academy in the country.