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There are several Hale End Academy stars eyeing a potential Arsenal first-team breakthrough, and young midfielder Maalik Hashi is among them.
Mikel Arteta has shown a willingness to blood youngsters in recent seasons, integrating the likes of Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Max Dowman into the senior set-up. Marli Salmon has also been granted opportunities, while the likes of Ife Ibrahim, Ceadach O'Neill and Theo Julienne have made inroads this term.
Out of nowhere, Arteta has included 18-year-old Hashi in his squad for the visit of Lille in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Many fans may not recognise this name, given that this will be his first appearance in a senior squad. Hashi wasn't even part of Arteta's plans in pre-season.
With that said, here is everything you need to know about the rising star.
How old is Maalik Hashi?
Maalik Hashi was born on 3rd September 2008, making him 18 years old at the time of writing, signing his first professional contract with Arsenal in February of this year.
Maalik Hashi Nationality
A Londoner born and bred, Hashi is eligible to represent either England or Somalia, with heritage from both countries through each of his parents.
What position does Maalik Hashi play in?
Hashi predominantly operates as a creative midfielder, although he has also been regularly used as a marauding full-back throughout his youth career to date.
Excellent on the ball, the teenager has also developed a reputation for being something of a set-piece specialist. Since joining Hale End, he's scored a number of spectacular free-kicks, including recent strikes against Southampton and West Brom.
How good is Maalik Hashi?
Hashi still has some way to go in his physical development, although he's impressed Arteta enough in a handful of training sessions to already be included in a matchday squad. Renowned across Hale End for his technical quality, he dictates attacks through his creative passes and ability to glide past defenders.
Arsenal youth expert Jeorge Bird described Hashi as an 'excellent passer' back in 2025, before adding: "A player who has already trained with the first-team squad, Hashi is excellent technically and makes intelligent bursts forward into the box. There was also a notable moment for Hashi earlier in the season when he made his debut for the U21s against Fulham."
Maalik Hashi's Arsenal stats
Hashi has trained with the Arsenal first team on numerous occasions in the last few years, and now has a senior matchday squad call-up to boast.
Mostly playing for the under-18s this season, Hashi has also featured five times in Premier League 2, for the under-21s.
Hashi's 2026/27 Arsenal Statistics so far (all competitions):
- Appearances: 9
- Minutes Played: 615
- Goals: 1
- Assists: 2
Hashi's 2025/26 Arsenal Statistics (all competitions):
- Appearances: 33
- Minutes Played: 1,953
- Goals: 6
- Assists: 2
Hashi could be one to watch in the coming years if he continues his strong form in the academy.
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