Exciting Arsenal midfielder in line for senior debut

Everyone loves a breakthrough star. A rising talent of such high acclaim you start tuning into youth football more frequently just to get a glimpse of someone destined for the top level senior game. Enter Charlie Patino at Arsenal.

Is it Pat-ihno, or Pat-eeno? Who cares. However his name is pronounced it’s been unavoidable in the world of Arsenal over the past few weeks. There is stardom and then their is the fanfare that has surrounded Patino. It’s quite remarkable.

Being glued to the likes of Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka every week, those two follow a long tradition of exciting young talent making their way through in the first team.

You will not speak to a single person who doesn’t foresee a similar path for Patino. The only difference is that he’s supposed to be even better. In Mikel Arteta’s youthful side the links become even stronger.

https://twitter.com/ArsenalAcademy/status/1437118200941002756

Exciting Arsenal midfielder Charlie Patino in line for senior debut against AFC Wimbledon in EFL Cup after stunning form in Gunners’ youth sides

"Speaking to Goal, Arsenal scout Brian Stapleton said: “Of all the years I’ve been scouting, he’s the best kid I’ve ever seen.”"

Those sentiments are being echoed elsewhere.

Only due to turn 18 in October, the deep-lying playmaker is already a regular for the Under-23 side and recently captained the Under-21 team in their EFL Cup defeat to Swindon. However, it was his goal in the Under-23’s recent 3-1 win over Manchester United that caused a storm.

Much in the way that Miguel Azeez’s long-range piledrivers got everyone salivating, the control, class and charisma Patino showed in the goal to win the ball back, beat two men, sit Phil Jones on his backside and then chip Dean Henderson let out a few noises adults shouldn’t be making.

With AFC Wimbledon to come in the EFL Cup, calls for Patino’s inclusion in that squad are growing in decibels. All young players have to be given time but there is not one scout, journalist or coach who hasn’t waxed lyrical about this teenager.

It looks like he’ll get his chance.

Chris Wheatley, speaking in a Q&A said:

"“Charlie Patino likely to be named in upcoming Carabao Cup game against Wimbledon,” he revealed.“We probably expect him to be on the bench this game. I’ve been told he’s really impressing the Arsenal players in the first team.”"

While there is a long road to go yet, such talent hasn’t been seen around a player of his age, in some peoples’ mind, ever.

"Stapleton added: “Shaun O’Connor [his boss] discovered Jack Wilshere and he said to me that Charlie is the best player who has ever walked through the doors at Hale End.”"

Whether he gets off the bench at Wimbledon remains to be seen but such is the rise of Patino that it can’t be put past him, especially if Arsenal are in the comfortable position they’re expected to be in against the League One side.

Patino signed his first professional deal with the club just under a year ago and when he turns 18, on October 17, he is expected to pen improved terms with Arsenal. Can it be a lifetime deal?