Mikel Arteta expressed his delight after 16-year-old Marli Salmon became the latest academy star to make his Arsenal debut.
Salmon came off the bench during Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Club Brugge on Wednesday night, becoming the fourth youngest debutant in the club’s history at 16 years and 103 days old.
The centre-half, who was originally scouted as a forward, featured as a 15-year-old during Arsenal’s pre-season tour of Asia.
On Salmon, who can play at centre-back and full-back, making his Arsenal debut, Arteta said the teenager was ready and praised his versatility.
“Well, the thought was as well from yesterday, the fact that we had to play Christian [Norgaard] as well, we had to really consider it because we were playing a really good side that had some really good results in the Champions League at home as well, but we knew that at some point we had to use him.
“So, he was ready, he was prepared, he can play as a centre-back or as a full-back and I'm delighted. He's so young, 16 still, and he's playing in the Champions League. So yeah, what a great night for him as well.”
Arteta has given a number of opportunities to Arsenal’s academy players this season, including midfielder Max Dowman, and he expressed his pride at being able to offer minutes to the club’s Hale End academy.
“Well, that's great, that's what we want. That's why we put so much work and everybody in the academy puts so much enthusiasm and work. And for a long time, you have to prepare those talents.
“So, thanks to them, because when we need them, they are there, they are ready to perform. So that's great.
