Charlie Patino has been speaking to NepentheZ about life at Arsenal, where he gave some insight into what happens in training at London Colney.
What’s the story?
While playing FIFA 22 with NepentheZ, the 18-year-old prodigy was asked who his favourite player at Arsenal was.
In response, Patino said live on Facebook: “I like all of them. They make me feel really welcome. If people make mistakes (in training), they won’t shout at you, they’ll just try and help you.”
Now, that is extremely pleasing to hear.
If this is the environment Mikel Arteta has created, then it’s no surprise to see the likes of Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli thriving.
A toxic training ground would surely hamper a youngster’s progress, so it’s fantastic to hear that London Colney is a place of encouragement and positivity.
It could even be argued that Arteta abolished Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang so his behaviour doesn’t set a negative example to the likes of Patino.
Charlie Patino will shine at Arsenal
With teammates happy to help him, and a manager who is clearly excellent at working with young players, the sky is the limit for Patino.
Aged just 18, the fact Patino is working alongside players like Thomas Partey and Martin Ødegaard will also do wonders for his development.
The England Under-19 international has already scored on his debut for the Gunners, a game in which he looked like he’d been playing first-team football for years.
Furthermore, Jack Wilshere – who Patino has been directly compared to – is currently training at London Colney, where he can act as a perfect mentor.
Everything is in place for Patino to become a Premier League star – he just needs to apply himself and fulfil his huge potential.
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