Arsenal youngster Marli Salmon was one of a few academy players involved in first-team training on Thursday, after being tipped as the club’s top first-year scholar this season.Photo by Yong Teck Li...
Arsenal youngster Marli Salmon was one of a few academy players involved in first-team training on Thursday, after being tipped as the club’s top first-year scholar this season.
Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images
Earlier this week, The Guardian released their list of each Premier League club’s best first-year scholars. In Arsenal’s case, they selected Marli Salmon as the Gunners’ top prospect.
To be clear, Max Dowman wasn’t eligible in this category, as he’s still too young to qualify. The Guardian were only looking at players born between 1st September, 2008 and 31st August, 2009 with Dowman born in December 2009. Dowman looks nailed-on to be next year’s pick.
But with Dowman ineligible, it’s no great surprise to see Salmon included. The 16-year-old centre-back is a talented prospect, and Arsenal fans got a glimpse of that in first-team pre-season this summer.
Photo via Dowman on Instagram
As if to emphasise Salmon’s potential, the young defender was called up to first-team training on Thursday, joining Dowman and striker Andre Harriman-Annous in the session.
With Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz still out, Harriman-Annous’ involvement makes sense, but with Piero Hincapie’s return Arsenal are pretty well stocked at centre-back.
Salmon’s call-up was seemingly more a reflection of his continued progress than simply filling a hole in the squad.
Photo via Dowman on Instagram
Despite being eligible for the Arsenal u18s, Salmon has made all of his appearances this season above that level, either playing for the Arsenal u19s in the UEFA Youth League or the Arsenal u21s in the Premier League 2 and the EFL Trophy.
The centre-back’s next opportunity on the pitch is likely to be Arsenal’s u19 match at home to Atletico Madrid next week.
Category: General Sports
