Arsenal have appointed Hussein Isa – once Lionel Messi’s body double – as their new attacking phase coach for senior and youth players.
The Athletic report that Arsenal have already struck a deal with Isa, who will provide ‘specialist assistance’ to Arsenal’s attacking players.
This role will see Isa work with the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah.
Emerging youth prospects will also be under Isa’s watchful eye though, with the likes of Amario Cozier-Duberry and Nathan Butler-Oyedeji springing to mind.
Isa – known as ‘Tekkers Guru’ – previously admitted to Hashtag United that he has his own academy, but he will now take his coaching ability to another level with Arsenal.
Who is new Arsenal coach Hussein Isa?
Isa, 34, is a former youth player with both Queens Park Rangers and Tottenham Hotspur.
Isa later had spells with the likes of Barnet, Staines Town, Dartford, Cray Wanderers, Romford, Canvey Island and Hashtag United.
During his career in the non-league, Isa was known as a deal ball specialist and was even called ‘non league’s Dimitri Payet’ by The Mirror in 2016.
Having been a PE teacher in his non-league days, Isa has turned to football coaching with the likes of QPR and Crystal Palace.
Isa has even turned out for the England futsal team, recording 28 caps.
One very interesting fact about Isa is that he has a history of being a body double for other players.
Isa was flown off to Barcelona in 2011 having been picked to be Lionel Messi’s body double for an Adidas advert.
Isa has also been a stand-in for the likes of Sergio Aguero and Eden Hazard, which is something few can claim!
We can imagine that Arsenal players will have a thing or two to say about that around the training ground, and fans will hope that he can bring some Messi magic to North London as he teaches Gunners attackers.
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