Martin Odegaard spoke about the development of another Hale End academy graduate.
**Marli Salmon**stepped onto the field for the final ten minutes of the match between **Arsenal**and Club Brugge in Belgium. He helped the Gunners get over the line in a 3-0 victory that marked their sixth successive victory in the Champions League and maintained their 100% winning record.
In the process, Salmon became the fourth youngest player to represent the first team, and he is the youngest person to make their competitive debut for the Gunners in a continental competition.
This achievement is another feather in the cap of the club’s academy. Max Dowman, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri are other examples of the quality of talent that is coming out of the youth setup, and Odegaard is happy to help these teenagers make the transition into the men’s game.
“It was a special night for Marli Salmon, making his debut at just 16. It means a lot to everyone when we see a player that young play for the first time. It’s important for the club, for the players, myself and the other more experienced to help them settle in and be able to improve and grow.
“He’s another example of how well the Academy is working here because Marli is another top player coming through. It’s something we all love to see and something we all appreciate. It’s not so common to see someone breaking through that young, especially in his position as a defender.
“He’s a bit quiet of course around the squad, but he’s a really great guy and when he’s on the pitch he gives everything. He trains hard and works hard every day. He has a really good attitude and it’s nice to see the defenders break through as well, not just the technical attacking players.”