Mikel Arteta has said he wants Charlie Patino to be himself on the pitch ahead of the clash with Nottingham Forest in the third round of the FA Cup.
The 18-year-old makes his first start for the Gunners at the City Ground, with many backing the midfielder to be a big player for the future.
His only other appearance for the senior team was from the bench against Sunderland in the Carabao Cup quarter-final, where he even managed to score.
A lot of faith has been put in the youngster as he starts in the middle of the park next to Albert Sambi Lokonga in a big FA Cup clash.
The call-up comes with the Gunners struggling for midfield numbers, as Granit Xhaka recorded a positive Covid-19 test, while Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny are away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.
It has led to Patino making his full debut in the East Midlands, having joined Arsenal as a youngster from Luton Town.
When asked about what he wants to see from the youngster, Arteta told ITV pre-match: “That he’s Charlie Patino, that he’s himself and he enjoys playing forward which is what he loves most.
“He has another opportunity to play today. Obviously, we have nine players out of the squad with no possibility to pick them for different reasons. We want to see him.”
The game may provide tough opposition for the youngster, who has seen few senior minutes so far.
It will be seen as to how well he can perform on the big stage, but the game could be a key one in his development as a senior player going forward.
