Welcome to series focusing specifically on the schoolboys at Arsenal who are currently at Hale End – those in the U16s and below. The academy is based in E17, Walthamstow. The thirteenth article is on Elyon Mbala.
An attack-minded left-back, Mbala could be part of Arsenal’s scholarship intake for next season.
The youngster has been part of the Arsenal academy setup since 2019, when he joined from Ryan FC, and is now in the U16 squad.
Last weekend there was a significant moment for Mbala as he made his debut for the U18s against Southampton.
Mbala played an hour in the 1-0 defeat and will hope for further opportunities with the U18s in the near future.
He has won numerous trophies during his time at Hale End and has also featured as a centre-back on some occasions.
If Mbala remains at Arsenal next season then he could challenge Josh Tahou for a place in the starting lineup at left-back in the U18 team.
Previous articles:
Charlie Purdy
Jayden Oba
Hakeem Abubakar
Theo Odaji-Ukueku
Jaden Maghoma
Luis Munoz
Mikael Bonaventure Yetna
Mishel Nduka
Angelinou Pedro
Charlie Phillips
Joshua Sesay
Emerson Nwaneri