Seeing how academy players adapt when playing at higher levels is one of the most intriguing aspects of youth football and there were some encouraging signs in that regard as Arsenal U19s drew with Bayern Munich in the UEFA Youth League yesterday.
First year scholar Hakeem Abubakar has enjoyed an excellent start to the season for Arsenal U18s and has established himself as the club’s first-choice left-back at that level despite competition from a second year in Joshua Tahou.
Abubakar featured for Arsenal U21s in pre-season and was also involved against Barnet. Having been involved as a substitute for the U19s against Lille last week, he was entrusted with a start against Bayern in what proved to be an inspired decision.
The 16-year-old opened the scoring with a fine strike and is an enjoyable player to watch in the attacking third, often pushing forwards with the composure you would usually expect from a seasoned professional.
Abubakar has also demonstrated that he is prepared to work hard defensively – there were numerous occasions against Bayern when he tracked back well.
Although he got caught out in one instance, Abubakar’s overall display was of a very high standard and he continued to impress even when he switched to right-back later in the game.
The prospect will now be hoping for further involvement at higher levels in the near future and may even be considered for involvement with the U21s in Premier League 2.
Another first year scholar, Elyon Mbala, featured as a substitute against Bayern and made an impact.
Mbala is also capable of playing at left-back but has mainly operated as a left-sided centre-back at U18 level in recent weeks.
The youngster has been a key part of the impressive run of form enjoyed by Josh Smith’s team and has demonstrated his impressive reading of the game.
Mbala is also strong physically for a 16-year-old and showed no fear when coming on against Bayern. Like Abubakar, he has already featured for the U21s having made his Premier League 2 debut against Birmingham City.
David Horseman, who coaches both Arsenal’s U21 and U19 teams, has often indicated that he is willing to give chances to younger players where possible.
The impact that Abubakar and Mbala made against Bayern will certainly have been noted and they will hope that more opportunities will now follow.