Arsenal defender William Saliba reacts during Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain
Arsenal defender William Saliba reacts during Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has proved in recent seasons that he isn't afraid to give youth a chance, even though the Gunners have been genuine contenders to win the Premier League and Champions League.
There is no doubt that Max Dowman is the young poster boy, and rightly so after what he has already done for the Arsenal first-team at the age of 16, but other players have been given opportunities in recent seasons and this term too.
Of course, Myles Lewis-Skelly has only just turned 20 years of age but is currently a regular for the north London outfit and England, while Ife Ibrahim and Theo Julienne were given minutes off the substitutes' bench in the EFL Cup win against Ipswich Town at Portman Road.
Dowman stole the show against the Tractor Boys with a brace in the 4-2 victory for Arteta's men, but there was another equally impressive performance behind him in defence from Marli Salmon.
The 17-year-old has made five first-team appearances for the Gunners already, but he was handed just his second start against Gary O'Neil's men last month.
The teenager impressed as he played the full 90 minutes, and he sent out a positive message to Arteta that he is ready to be called upon when needed this season.
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Marli Salmon Stats vs Ipswich
Minutes
Passes
Pass accuracy
Duels won
Aerial duels won
Defensive contributions
Tackles
Recoveries
Of course, there are opportunities at centre-back right now, given William Saliba is currently out and not expected back for another couple of months, while Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera are also on the sidelines.
The latter duo could be back available for the visit of Leeds United after the extended international break, but Salmon will already be eyeing up another opportunity to start in the next round of the EFL Cup against League Two outfit Fleetwood Town at the end of the month.
If he is given a chance in that game and impresses, it surely won't be long until he starts getting some cameos in the Premier League too, given the calmness and composure we have seen from him so far.
Salmon Likened to Tony Adams and Saliba
Arsenal defender Marli Salmon in action against Ipswich Town
Arsenal defender Marli Salmon in action against Ipswich Town
According to the BBC, Salmon has been highly-rated by Arsenal coaches for a long time, so it is no surprise that he has already made his first-team breakthrough.
He received a 7/10 rating from Football London for his display against Ipswich, with the biggest credit from the outlet being that he didn't look out of place against Premier League opposition.
The BBC article also claims that some fans have already compared the 17-year-old to Saliba, which is the ultimate compliment given the Frenchman is considered by many to be the best centre-back in the world, due to his calmness and ability to read the game.
It's clear that Salmon plays like someone way beyond his years from what we've seen so far, and he will only continue to learn alongside the likes of Salbia and Gabriel at London Colney.
The 6ft 2in defender has also attracted comparisons with another Arsenal legend in Tony Adams by one renowned fan on X, which shows just how excited supporters are about his potential for the future.
Salmon clearly has it all in terms of key centre-back traits, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see him make a Dowman-like emergence this season, and be the latest exciting Arsenal wonderkid making an impact on the first-team.