Remember the name, Charlie Patino… because Phil Jones and Dean Henderson certainly will.
The 18-year-old, who has been tipped to become a great by the scout who discovered Jack Wilshere, humiliated the Man United duo in a Under-23s clash on Sunday.
He won the ball back from inside United’s half before going on a mazy run past three defenders – including Jones – and beautifully dinking past Henderson.
And the goalkeeper was left seemingly stunned as he reacted after the ball hit the net.
It was a goal which served as evidence to why he Patino is so highly thought of at the north London club.
Arsenal’s academy has produced the likes of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe in recent years and Patino is believed to be the next superstar in the making.
It’s claimed he is set to be integrated into Arsenal’s first team set-up, joining fellow academy pair of James Olayinka and Tim Akinola.
Holding midfielder Patino has already received the highest billing, being dubbed the club’s greatest talent for his age by the same man who discovered Wilshere as a young player.
Arsenal scout Brian Stapeleton spotted him at the age of 11 and is in no doubt he will become a household name of British football.
“Of all the years I’ve been scouting, he’s the best kid I’ve ever seen,” said Stapleton, who ensured he was signed after watching him in action for Luton Town.
“I got a tip off about Charlie from a guy, so I went over there and I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. He was 11 and I think he was playing in the Under-13s, and I was like ‘wow’.
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“His first touch was unbelievable, his vision, his awareness of space. He was way above his years, he was on another planet to anyone else on the pitch.
“I made a phone call to my head of my department at Arsenal at the time, Sean O’Connor. He asked what I thought and I said, ‘well, I’m not coming back again. I don’t need to see any more, you need to sign this kid straight away.’
Stapleton added: “Sean O’Connor discovered Jack Wilshere and he said to me that Charlie is the best player who has ever walked through the doors at Hale End.
“The kid has got so much potential, but he’s not there yet.”
