Our Young Gun series gets to know the academy youngsters kicking off their careers at the Sobha Realty Training Centre.
Theo Julienne spoke to us recently about breaking into the under-21s team this season and what he aspires to improve on for next season.
It's been a really good season so far, although it's definitely had its challenges too. At the start of the season, I wasn't involved with the under-21s, so I had to work my way into the team and earn opportunities there.
I stayed focused on performing consistently with the under-18s and the coaches were brilliant with me, always encouraging me to keep working hard, helping me improve, giving me advice and reminding me to stay patient so I'd be ready when my chance came.
Eventually, that opportunity came with the under-21s and I feel like I've taken it. It has been a great experience. One of the biggest highlights of my season was scoring my first goal for the under-21s against Leeds United. It was only my second start for the team, so I knew I needed to make an impact whenever I played; I was buzzing to get on the scoresheet.
The ball fell perfectly to me, I turned, drove forward, took aim and saw it hit the back of the net. It was a really special moment for me.
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The toughest part of the season has probably been not starting as many games as I would've liked and knowing that, when you do come on, you might only have a short amount of time to make an impact. But that's football, and it's all part of the learning process.
Last season I started a lot of matches, whereas this year my role has been different, so I've had to adapt and learn another side of the game. The biggest difference between under-18s and under-21s football is definitely the speed. Everything happens much quicker at the under-21s level.
I also had the chance to play in the EFL Trophy, which was a brilliant experience because you're coming up against senior players. What stood out most was their mentality. They know how to win games and manage moments. They were clinical when their chances came, whereas we probably had more opportunities but didn't take them in the same way.
You also notice the little details experienced players use to see games out, like taking a bit more time over throw-ins or free-kicks; it's a real craft. Watching how they worked together as a team to get results was really interesting because that's the level we all want to reach.
"I love seeing them do well and progress. It motivates me to keep pushing so I can earn my opportunity as well."
Seeing players like Max Dowman and other academy lads getting opportunities with the first team is really inspiring, especially because they're my friends too.
I love seeing them do well and progress. It motivates me to keep pushing so I can earn my opportunity as well. Away from football, we do normal things together, like going out for food, and recently a lot of us have started playing paddle. I'd probably say Seb Ferdinand is the best player. He talks a good game, but to be fair to him, he backs it up because he's quality. As an academy group, we've got a really strong bond.
In terms of my game, I’d describe myself as a box-to-box midfielder, a number eight who can contribute both offensively and defensively while staying composed in possession. I’m not necessarily someone who scores loads of goals, but I can still be a threat going forward. I like to keep the game ticking, help the team control possession and win the ball back.
I’ve also had the opportunity to train with the first team this season, which has been an unbelievable experience. The standards there are incredibly high every single day. Whether it’s the Carabao Cup, Premier League or Champions League, the mentality never changes. The standard is always the standard.
What I’ve really appreciated is how much the senior players communicate with and help the younger lads during training. Gabriel has probably impressed me the most because he trains exactly how he plays. He treats every duel seriously and never wants to get beaten. Gabriel Jesus is unbelievable in small-sided games as well. His dribbling and footwork are just on another level.
Looking ahead to next season and beyond, my main aim is to stay consistent in every training session and every match, then see where that takes me. Ultimately, I can only control what I can control, and that starts with working hard and improving every single day in training.
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