Is Charlie Patino Arsenal's next big thing?


Arsenal young gun Charlie Patino

Is Charlie Patino Arsenal's next big thing? Academy star is yet to make senior debut but is already at the heart of an international tug of war




By Jack Lacey-Hatton


Even in the more difficult recent years Arsenal have always been able to nurture gems from the academy into the first team.

To see living proof, you only had to watch the North London Derby last Sunday, to see the impact of Emile Smith-Rowe and the brilliant Bukayo Saka, in the brilliant 3-1 win over Spurs.

From Jack Wilshire and Ray Parlour to Hector Bellerin and Alex Iwobi, seeing players come from the youth set-step up and up make an impact with the first team is within the fabric of the club.

But who will be the next star from Hale End? The next graduate to truly be a game-changer for the senior squad.

Step forward Charlie Patino.  For those that don’t know, he is highly rated 17-year-old who came very close to a debut in the Carabao Cup against Wimbledon last month.

But just how good is he?


Who is Patino?


Born in Watford in October 2003, Patino has been highly rated by the staff within the youth set-up for a number of years.

The central midfielder is left-footed, with excellent technique and a notable passing range.

Although born in England, he does have Spanish heritage through his father Julio.

Although he hasn’t yet played for the first-team, Patino has experience of senior football in an EFL Trophy tie, playing for the development squad against Swindon Town earlier this season.

Charlie Patino playing for Arsenal U21s against Swindon

Does Mikel Arteta rate him?


Manager Mikel Arteta clearly has Patino on his radar when it comes to first-team involvement this season.

After the win against Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup, the boss admitted that the youngster was “very close” to being given a run-out in the tie.

Arteta took the decision that night to give others players some needed minutes, but said Patino will be introduced over time.

The clamour for such a highly rated talent won’t subside easily, and the manager clearly wants to protect the 17-year-old rather than throwing him into senior football due to fan clamour.

How good has he looked so far?


As well as impressing in the EFL trophy tie against Swindon, for which he was also captain, Patino has starred in the Premier League 2 so far.

He scored a brilliant individual goal in a 3-1 win over Manchester United under-23s, picking up the ball 35 yards out, carrying the ball past Phil Jones and chipping England goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

His reputation as a wonderkid has also been developed by YouTube, which numerous compilation clips showcasing his technical ability.

If you need any further proof that Patino will be Arsenal’s next big thing, consider that he is already the subject of an international tug of war.

Both England and Spain want to secure his services for senior squads, as noted earlier Patino is eligible for the Spanish national team, 

Although the midfielder has already played for England at youth level, turning out for the under-16s in 2018.

Hopefully Arsenal fans won’t have to wait too long before seeing him turn out at the Emirates, as 
potentially the new star for tomorrow.

Photo credit: Getty Images

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