Arsene Wenger has admitted he loves to see the way Arsenal are integrating young players into the first-team squad under Mikel Arteta.
FIFA Chief of Global Football Development Arsène Wenger (L) and President of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Kalyan Chaubey speak during a press conference regarding the FIFA-AIFF academy and the grassroots development in Indian football in Mumbai on November 22, 2023. (Photo by Indranil MUKHERJEE / AFP) (Photo by INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo by INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP via Getty Images
Arsenal have given quite a lot of opportunities to young players this season, most notably Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri.
The duo have been nailed-on starters for Mikel Arteta’s side at times, leading to both players getting England promotions this month – Lewis-Skelly to the senior side and Nwaneri to the u21s.
But there have been plenty of other young debutants, including Josh Nichols, Ayden Heaven (now of Manchester United), Jack Porter, Maldini Kacurri, Ismeal Kabia, Tommy Setford, and Nathan Butler-Oyedeji.
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Speaking about the chances offered to Arsenal’s young players this season, former Gunners boss Arsene Wenger admitted he’s pleased to see the club continuing to put faith in youth.
“That’s part of the DNA of the club, you know,” Wenger said. “I’m happy that these values continue. I think the academy is doing a fantastic job.
“I don’t speak about Saka because I think he’s a world-class player already, and Lewis-Skelly now coming [up] is already in the English national team. I love that.
“I’m very happy that this integration of top level players at a young age is happening at Arsenal.”
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Wenger was of course a big proponent of providing opportunities to young players during his time as a manager at Arsenal. Players regularly progressed from the academy to the first team during his time in charge, and the club benefitted from that approach.
It’s often easier to take a short-term view and to start players who have more experience for any given game.
But if the youth recruitment team identify top talents, the academy staff prepare those players properly, and then you’re willing to accept the occasional misstep after promoting them, you can reap the rewards like Arsenal are with Saka, Nwaneri, and Lewis-Skelly.
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